Pakistan Imposes Ban on Overland Travel to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen Pilgrims

Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan has imposed a ban on overland travel to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen pilgrims, allowing only air travel for religious visits during the holy occasion.
In a message posted on the social media platform “X” (formerly Twitter), Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that pilgrims will only be permitted to travel via air for the purpose of visiting holy sites in Iran and Iraq. Overland travel through road routes has been strictly prohibited.
The interior minister stated that this decision was taken in the interest of public safety and national security, following consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and national security agencies.
Naqvi further added that, in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives, the number of flights for Arbaeen pilgrims will be increased to accommodate the growing demand. He emphasized that maximum arrangements will be made to facilitate pilgrims through additional flights.