ISLAMABAD: In a noteworthy decision impacting thousands of prospective pilgrims, the Pakistani government has announced that road travel to Iran and Iraq for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage will not be permitted this year.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the decision via a message on the social media platform ‘X’, stating that only air travel would be allowed for the pilgrimage.
The move, described as a “difficult decision” aimed at ensuring public safety and national security and it was made following extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government and various security agencies.
“After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Balochistan government and security agencies, it has been decided that Zaireen will not be allowed to travel to Iraq and Iran by road for Arbaeen this year,” Minister Naqvi stated.
He further emphasized that the decision was taken “in the interest of public safety and national security.”
While road journeys are now prohibited, pilgrims will still have the option to travel by air. To facilitate this, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reportedly issued directives to authorities to arrange a maximum number of flights in the coming days, aiming to ensure that pilgrims can still undertake their spiritual journey.
Meanwhile, Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. During the meeting, the interior minister briefed the prime minister on the new policy for the Zaireen.
The prime minister directed the Minister for Aviation to arrange special flights for the Zaireen, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. The law & order situation in Balochistan province was also discussed during the meeting.
The prime minister directed the interior minister to initiate work on the Gwadar Safe City project.
Meanwhile, protesters gathered on Alamdar Road near Shohada Chowk on Saturday to denounce the federal government’s decision to ban road travel for pilgrims heading to Iran and Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Demonstrators demanded that the government reverse its decision and allow pilgrims to travel by road.
Participants condemned the restriction, calling it unjust and discriminatory, particularly toward lower- and middle-income groups who cannot afford air travel. They stated that traveling by air is not a viable option for most pilgrims due to high costs, and thousands have already obtained visas for the pilgrimage.
The protesters urged the government to reconsider its policy, grant permission for road travel, and ensure the safety of pilgrims undertaking the journey. The Arbaeen pilgrimage marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Thousands of Pakistani pilgrims typically travel to Iraq, and often through Iran, to participate in the commemorations. The ban on road travel is expected to necessitate a shift in pilgrimage plans for many and highlights the government’s heightened focus on security concerns for its citizens traveling abroad.