Sources have told media outlets that authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran are temporarily collecting the passports of Afghan nationals invited to attend the funeral ceremonies of Ali Khamenei, the former leader of the Islamic Republic, upon their entry through the Islam Qala and Dogharoun border crossings. According to these sources, the passports are returned to the individuals after they re-enter Afghanistan. The measure is reportedly intended to ensure that invitees return to Afghanistan after the visit.
Based on information from these sources, Iran has issued visas for 2,500 Afghan citizens to attend the ceremony. These individuals are expected to enter Mashhad from Afghanistan and participate in the funeral and commemorative events held in honor of Ali Khamenei.
The sources add that officials from several Iranian institutions have been deployed at the Iranian side of the Islam Qala and Dogharoun border crossings. After collecting passports, special entry cards are issued to each guest, which are valid only for travel within Mashhad.
According to the sources, these cards will serve as a substitute for passports for the duration of the visit, and the passports will be returned to their holders upon completion of the ceremony and their return to the border.
Iranian authorities have stated that Afghan guests will enter through the Dogharoun border on 5th and 6th July . The issued visas are valid for seven days, and participants are required to return via the same border on 11th and 12th July after the end of the ceremonies.
According to Iranian officials, the reception of guests at the Dogharoun border will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 5th and 6th July . It has also been stated that the individuals’ information will be registered, reviewed, and monitored in relevant systems until their departure from Iran.
Local authorities in Razavi Khorasan Province have also announced that 3th July in Mashhad have been designated for the reception, accommodation, and hospitality of Afghan guests. These facilities are said to be capable of hosting more than 2,500 people.
The governor of Taybad has stated that buses and hired vehicles have been arranged to transport guests from the Dogharoun border to Mashhad, and that all administrative, service, and emergency agencies stationed at the border are on standby.
Previously, officials in Razavi Khorasan had stated that the presence of up to 4,000 Afghan citizens at the Mashhad ceremony was anticipated, and that free visas had been issued for 2,500 individuals.
Reports indicate that among the invitees are a number of religious scholars, influential figures, businessmen, and cultural and political personalities, particularly from Kabul and Herat.
The official program announced by the Islamic Republic indicates that the body of Ali Khamenei was transferred to the Imam Khomeini Mosque in Tehran on Friday, 3 July, where foreign delegations attended to pay their respects. The farewell ceremonies are scheduled for 4th and 5th July , the funeral procession in Tehran on 6th July , the transfer of the body to Qom on 6th July , and the final funeral and burial ceremony in Mashhad on 18 Saratan.
The Islamic Republic has also invited officials of the Taliban and several leaders of opposition factions to attend the ceremony. Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Taliban, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Taliban Foreign Minister, Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front, and Mohammad Mohaqiq, leader of the People’s Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, are among those who have reportedly traveled to Tehran to attend the event.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
