Govt suspends by-road travel to Iraq, Iran for Arbaeen pilgrimage this year

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistani pilgrims will not be permitted to travel to Iran or Iraq by road for this year's Arbaeen pilgrimage, citing security concerns.

Each year, around 700,000 Pakistani pilgrims travel to Iraq, particularly for Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day of mourning following the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) at the Battle of Karbala.

Taking to his X handle on Sunday, the interior minister said the decision was taken after detailed consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Balochistan government, and security agencies.

“This difficult decision has been made in the interest of public safety and national security,” Naqvi added.

However, the security czar confirmed that pilgrims would still be permitted to travel by air. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed authorities to arrange additional flights to facilitate pilgrims in the coming days.

The development comes hours after Naqvi held a meeting with PM Shehbaz in Islamabad. The premier directed the authorities to arrange special flights for the pilgrims.

In a similar decision in May this year, Pakistan and Iran have agreed to enhance cooperation for religious pilgrims by keeping their shared border open 24 hours a day during the Islamic months of Muharram and Safar, including the period of Arbaeen. The agreement also includes an increase in flights and other facilitation measures, state-run APP reported.

The two countries agreed to increase the number of available flights for pilgrims and explore the possibility of sea travel to ease congestion at land crossings.

Tehran also pledged to provide accommodation and meals for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad during the peak pilgrimage season.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terror incidents since 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.