MWM announces protest against Arbaeen road travel ban

ISLAMABAD: The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) has announced a nationwide peaceful protest and sit-ins in response to the government’s ban on by-road travel for Arbaeen pilgrims, calling it unconstitutional, unethical and unacceptable.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, MWM chief Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas strongly condemned the government’s move to block overland routes to Iran and Iraq during Arbaeen. He said: “This is a violation of our constitutional right to religious freedom under Article 20. We will not accept any illegal or immoral act.”

Nasir revealed that pilgrims from across Pakistan — including Gilgit-Baltistan and Karachi — had already spent Rs50 billion collectively on tickets, visas, hotel bookings and other arrangements, which now stand wasted due to the last-minute decision.

He criticised the Ministry of Religious Affairs for its statement on missing pilgrims and demanded a public apology, calling the claim misleading and disrespectful.

“This ban was imposed without consulting any stakeholders,” he said, questioning the rationale behind labelling the journey a “security risk” only after Pakistani authorities, including the interior minister, held meetings with Iranian and Iraqi officials promising facilitation. “If the road is unsafe, then the government must provide a viable alternative,” he stated. “The state’s duty is to protect lives and rights, not strip citizens of their religious liberties.”

He also reminded the media that earlier this year, 67,000 Pakistanis were deprived of performing Haj due to alleged administrative failures.

The MWM leader declared the start of nationwide protests and sit-ins, vowing that peaceful demonstrations will be held across the country until the restriction is reversed or a proper alternative is offered.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi — two days back — announced that Pakistani pilgrims would not be allowed to travel to Iran or Iraq by road for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage due to security concerns.