Land routes barred for Arbaeen pilgrims amid security concerns

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

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that pilgrims will now only be allowed to travel to the holy sites in Iran and Iraq by air. “Pilgrims will not be permitted to use road routes to Iraq and Iran,” he said in a message shared on social media.

“This decision has been made in view of public safety and national security,” the minister added, stating that the ban was finalised after consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and security agencies.

To accommodate the change, the federal government has decided to increase the number of flights. “Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, more flights will be arranged for Arbaeen pilgrims,” Naqvi said, noting that maximum possible flight capacity will be ensured.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a special flight operation for Arbaeen starting August 8. Outbound flights from Pakistan to Najaf will operate from August 8 to 11, while return flights from Najaf to Pakistan are scheduled for August 18 to 23.

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PIA has set the fare at USD 675 per passenger for the special Arbaeen operation. However, many intending pilgrims have urged PIA to reduce the fare and introduce additional flights to meet high demand during the religious occasion.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims travel overland to Najaf via Iran. The sudden ban on road travel is expected to significantly affect travel logistics, especially for those unable to afford air travel.