MWM and Shia Ulema Council Call Off March After Government Talks

Following productive discussions with the federal government, the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and the Shia Ulema Council have cancelled their intended march from Ancholi, Karachi, to the Pakistan-Iran border.

A consensus on a seven-point accord was achieved during a significant assembly in Karachi. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and MWM leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri jointly addressed the media.

Addressing the press after the late-night parleys, which were assisted by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, the minister stated that the government and the MWM leadership had come to a seven-point understanding.

He expressed gratitude to the MWM leadership for halting their demonstration, affirming that the Taftan border had not been closed and would remain accessible for pilgrims.

Talal Chaudhry mentioned that visa extensions, up to 60 days, would be managed in conjunction with Iraqi officials. He also declared that discounted airfares would be arranged for prospective travelers.

The government has pledged to guarantee reimbursements for payments made to tour operators, bus companies, and transportation services by pilgrims who had booked overland travel.

The minister advised against ground travel this year due to security concerns. However, he confirmed that the Taftan-Rimdan border would stay open.

MWM Vice Chairman Allama Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi also spoke at the press conference, conveying thanks to the state minister and governor for their helpful involvement and understanding of the issues created by the land travel prohibition for the pilgrims.

He declared the conclusion of the Arbaeen protest march, indicating that they would monitor advancements on the understanding reached with the government.

He appreciated the governor for supporting the discussions and said the governor would act as the MWM’s guarantor.

He urged the federal government to offer discounted plane tickets to pilgrims who had already secured visas for the pilgrimage. The governor stated that all had decided that future issues would be resolved through discussions, not protest marches.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that, due to safety concerns, Pakistani pilgrims would not be permitted to journey to Iran or Iraq by road for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Annually, approximately 700,000 Pakistani pilgrims journey to Iraq, especially for Arbaeen, which signifies the 40th day of mourning following the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) at the Battle of Karbala.