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

Islamabad: The federal government of Pakistan has imposed a ban on overland travel for pilgrims heading to Iran and Iraq this year.
In a statement, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified that pilgrims will not be allowed to travel by road to Iraq and Iran for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. Air travel to both countries for the religious visits will, however, be permitted.
Naqvi emphasized that this difficult decision was made in the interest of public safety and national security. The decision was taken after consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government of Balochistan, and security agencies. The Prime Minister has directed an increase in the number of flights for pilgrims to accommodate the demand.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the security situation in Balochistan and the new policy for pilgrims. During the meeting, Naqvi briefed the Prime Minister on the new policy, and the Premier instructed the Civil Aviation Minister to arrange special flights for pilgrims. Additionally, the Prime Minister was updated on the security situation in Balochistan, and he instructed the Interior Minister to start work on the “Gwadar Safe City” project.