MWM Temporarily Suspends Protest March After Talks with Sindh Governor

Karachi: Following discussions late Wednesday night with Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori in Karachi, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) has temporarily halted its protest march opposing the government’s prohibition on overland travel to Karbala for Arbaeen.

Speaking to the media after visiting the MWM secretariat, Governor Tessori stated that the political party had consented to postpone the march for now.

“We plan to reconvene this afternoon, and we anticipate reaching a resolution,” he added.

Last month, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi declared that Pakistani pilgrims would not be permitted to journey to Iran or Iraq by road for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage, citing security concerns.

In a post on X, the interior minister mentioned that this decision was made after in-depth discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and various security agencies.

Governor Tessori informed reporters that he had communicated with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, currently in the United States, who referenced security issues as the basis for the restrictions.

The Sindh governor also assured the MWM leadership that measures were being taken to extend the validity of Iraqi visas for pilgrims, boost the number of chartered flights, and seek reduced airfares through federal assistance.

However, MWM’s Vice Chairman Allama Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi clarified that the protest march is only on hold, not canceled. “We have only paused until this afternoon. Should the matter remain unresolved, we will resume the march,” he cautioned.

He argued that if authorities imposed a ban due to security concerns, they should have simultaneously proposed a practical alternative.

“Every feasible effort must be implemented to ensure the pilgrims’ journey to Karbala,” he emphasized.

“If road travel has become problematic, then a functional alternate route should be provided,” Rizvi added.

He further indicated that talks have transpired with the Sindh governor, who has committed to inviting Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry to Karachi for further deliberation.

“We, along with the governor, will engage with Talal Chaudhry to identify a way forward,” Allama Iqbal stated.

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