Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday that Pakistani pilgrims would be barred from traveling to Iraq and Iran by road for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage due to security concerns. The decision, affecting hundreds of thousands of devotees, was made after consultations with the Foreign Ministry, Balochistan government, and security agencies. Naqvi emphasized that the move, though difficult, was necessary to ensure public safety and national security.
While road travel remains suspended, pilgrims can still journey by air. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed authorities to organize additional flights to accommodate travelers. The announcement follows a meeting between Naqvi and the premier, where logistical arrangements for the pilgrimage were reviewed. Arbaeen, which marks 40 days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), typically draws around 700,000 Pakistanis to Iraq annually.
The restriction contrasts with a recent Pakistan-Iran agreement to facilitate pilgrimage travel during Muharram and Safar, including 24-hour border openings and increased flights. Tehran had also pledged to host 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad. However, escalating security threats—particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan—have prompted stricter measures.
Pakistan has faced a surge in terrorist attacks since 2021, with border regions being high-risk zones. The government’s decision reflects a balancing act between religious obligations and security imperatives. Authorities aim to minimize risks while ensuring pilgrims can still fulfill their spiritual journey through alternative means.