Security fears prompt govt ban on road travel for Arbaeen pilgrims

Islamabad: The Pakistani government has imposed a ban on overland travel to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen pilgrims, citing concerns related to national security and public safety.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that pilgrims will now only be permitted to travel to the holy sites in Iraq and Iran by air.

“This decision has been taken in view of public safety and national security,” Naqvi said in a statement on social media. He added that the move was finalised following consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and security agencies.

To facilitate pilgrims amid the ban, the federal government has decided to increase flight operations. “On the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, more flights will be arranged for Arbaeen pilgrims,” Naqvi said, assuring that maximum flight capacity would be ensured.

In line with this decision, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will launch a special Arbaeen flight operation starting August 8. Outbound flights from Pakistan to Najaf will operate from August 8 to 11, while return flights from Najaf are scheduled from August 18 to 23.

PIA has set the round-trip fare at USD 675 per passenger. However, many intending pilgrims have urged authorities to reduce the fare and increase the number of flights to meet high demand.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims travel overland to Najaf via Iran. The sudden ban is expected to significantly impact travel plans, particularly for those who cannot afford air travel.