Arbaeen Pilgrims: Road Travel Restrictions Imposed

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced Sunday that, due to security concerns, Pakistani pilgrims will not be permitted to travel to Iran or Iraq by road for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Annually, approximately 700,000 Pakistani pilgrims journey to Iran, particularly for Arbaeen, commemorating the 40th day following the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) at the Battle of Karbala.

The interior minister stated on X that this decision followed thorough discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and security organizations.

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

However, the security head affirmed that air travel for pilgrims remains authorized. He also noted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive for authorities to arrange additional flights to aid pilgrims in the coming days.

This announcement occurred shortly after Naqvi’s meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz in Islamabad, where the Prime Minister instructed authorities to organize specific flights for the pilgrims.

In a similar decision made in May, Pakistan and Iran concurred on improving cooperation for religious pilgrims by maintaining round-the-clock availability at their shared border during the Islamic months of Muharram and Safar, including the Arbaeen period. This agreement also involves increasing flights and providing further facilitation measures, as per the state-run APP.

Both nations consented to augment the number of flights for pilgrims and explore maritime travel options to alleviate congestion at land crossings.

Tehran also committed to offering lodging and meals for 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad during the peak pilgrimage season.

Since 2021, Pakistan has experienced an increase in terrorist events, notably in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.