MWM Halts March Against Ban on Land Routes to Karbala; Sindh Governor Engages in Talks

Karachi:The protest march by the **Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM)** against the ban on land routes for pilgrims heading to Karbala was temporarily suspended after intervention from Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori. The Governor visited the MWM Secretariat late last night and, in a conversation with the media, confirmed that the march has been postponed for the time being. He stated that further discussions would take place later today, and he expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon.

Governor Tessori further mentioned that he had spoken to **Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi** in the United States, who cited security concerns as the reason behind the restrictions. He also reassured that efforts would be made to extend the validity of Iraqi visas for pilgrims, and negotiations would be initiated with the government regarding additional flights and possible discounts on airfare.

On the other hand, **MWM Vice Chairman Allama Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi** made it clear that while the march has been paused for now, it is not over. He stated that the march would resume if necessary, depending on the situation in the afternoon. Rizvi emphasized the need for an alternative arrangement for pilgrims to reach Karbala, stating that the ban on land routes should be lifted and the issue of pilgrims’ access should be resolved efficiently.

Earlier, Interior Minister **Mohsin Naqvi** had announced that, due to security reasons, pilgrims would not be allowed to travel to Karbala through the **Baluchistan-Iran-Iraq** land route this year. This decision prompted MWM to call for nationwide protests against the restrictions, demanding that the government find a way for pilgrims to perform their religious obligations without facing obstacles.