Taliban Seek Easier Travel for Afghan Pilgrims to Karbala

DID Press: Taliban officials have called for facilitating travel for Afghan pilgrims to Iraq’s holy sites, particularly Karbala, during talks with Iran’s ambassador in Kabul aimed at expanding cultural and bilateral cooperation.

According to reports, Qudratullah Jamal raised the issue during a meeting with Alireza Bikdeli in Kabul.

Jamal said large numbers of Afghan citizens are interested in visiting the holy shrines in Iraq through Iran and argued that simplifying travel procedures could help strengthen cultural and religious ties between the two neighboring countries.

He also called for broader cooperation in tourism, transportation, and education, proposing joint training programs for Afghan tourism professionals and academics in collaboration with Iranian institutions.

Bikdeli, for his part, expressed Tehran’s readiness to expand cultural and tourism cooperation, stating that Iran welcomes initiatives aimed at improving people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The request comes amid criticism of restrictions imposed on Shiite religious activities during the recent observance of Ashura in Afghanistan. Reports from several provinces indicated limitations on mourning ceremonies, traditional processions, and the display of religious banners. There were also reports of restrictions around religious centers and actions taken against some event organizers.