ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday announced that Pakistani pilgrims (Zaireen) will not be allowed to travel to Iran and Iraq by road for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage due to security concerns.
The decision was taken after detailed consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and security agencies, Naqvi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “difficult but necessary step” for public safety and national security.
Each year, nearly 700,000 Pakistani pilgrims visit Iraq to observe Arbaeen, which marks the 40th day after the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in the Battle of Karbala.
After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Balochistan Government, and security agencies, it has been decided that Zaireen will not be allowed to travel to Iraq and Iran by road for Arbaeen this year. This difficult decision was taken in the interest of…
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 27, 2025
Despite the road ban, air travel will remain open. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the aviation ministry to arrange additional special flights to facilitate pilgrims in the coming days.
— ALSO READ —
Full Asia Cup 2025 schedule announced with Super Four details
Earlier in the day, Naqvi called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad and briefed him on the new policy for Zaireen. The prime minister also instructed the interior minister to begin work on the Gwadar Safe City project, while law and order in Balochistan was also reviewed during the meeting, the PM Office said in a press release.
The announcement comes as Pakistan continues to face increased security threats, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In May, Pakistan and Iran had agreed to expand facilitation measures for religious pilgrims, including keeping the border open 24 hours during Muharram and Safar, increasing flights, and exploring the option of sea travel. Iran also pledged to host and feed 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad during peak pilgrimage season.
