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In a significant pre-Arbaeen development, the Government of Pakistan has imposed a ban on road travel for pilgrims (Zaireen) heading to Iraq and Iran this year. The decision, announced on Sunday by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, has been taken in response to heightened regional threats and mounting security concerns along the country’s western borders.
Security First: Why Road Travel Has Been Suspended
The Ministry of Interior, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Balochistan, and intelligence agencies, reached a consensus to suspend land-based pilgrimage routes. The statement highlights that the primary motive behind the decision is ensuring public safety, given the volatile security environment in bordering regions and the history of terror threats along the land corridors leading into Iran.
Minister Mohsin Naqvi posted the update on social platform X (formerly Twitter), reiterating the government’s dedication to protecting the lives of its citizens. “The restriction is a preventive measure aimed at minimizing risk to Zaireen,” the statement read.
Alternative Route: Pilgrimage Allowed Through Air Travel
To ensure that religious practices remain unaffected, the government has approved air travel as the only means for Pakistani pilgrims wishing to attend the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq. This sacred event, which draws millions of Shia Muslims from around the globe, marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and is one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world.
In line with this, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has instructed authorities to maximize the number of flights to Iraq and Iran during the pilgrimage window. Civil aviation authorities and religious affairs departments are expected to coordinate the logistics in the coming days.
Flight Arrangements and Registration Details Coming Soon
While the final details are yet to be unveiled, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is expected to release comprehensive flight schedules, ticket pricing, and registration procedures for intending Zaireen shortly. Special Hajj and Umrah tour operators may also be engaged to facilitate smooth air travel and boarding logistics.
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Given the urgency, the government is likely to prioritize low-cost air carriers and special chartered flights to accommodate a larger number of pilgrims within a limited timeframe.
Public Reactions: Mixed Sentiments Over the Ban
The decision to ban road travel has triggered mixed reactions. While many have applauded the government’s proactive approach in preventing potential loss of life, others—particularly in southern Punjab and Balochistan—have expressed disappointment, as road travel was the more affordable and traditional option for pilgrimage.
Religious leaders and local organizers have urged the government to consider subsidized air tickets for lower-income groups who cannot afford commercial flights.
Arbaeen 2025: What It Means for Pakistani Pilgrims
The Arbaeen pilgrimage typically sees tens of thousands of Pakistani Zaireen making their way to Karbala and Najaf in Iraq, often passing through Iran by road. This journey is deeply spiritual for Shia Muslims and includes various stopovers at shrines and community-run rest centers.
With the road option now off the table, the traditional pilgrimage experience will likely change, but the emphasis on safety and national security remains paramount in the government’s approach this year.
Call for Cooperation and Vigilance
Minister Naqvi urged the public to cooperate with authorities and avoid attempting unauthorized or illegal border crossings, stressing that violators may face legal action. He also noted that security agencies remain on high alert to prevent any unlawful attempts at overland travel.
He reiterated the government’s respect for religious freedom, emphasizing that the decision should not be seen as a restriction on worship but rather a preventive measure in the national interest.
Final Word: A Sacred Journey, Safely Redefined
As Arbaeen 2025 approaches, the government’s decision to transition the pilgrimage entirely to air routes marks a pivotal shift in how Pakistan ensures religious journeys proceed amid growing regional risks.
In doing so, the administration aims to protect life without compromising on spiritual obligations, with further updates and flight booking details expected to be announced in the coming week.
