Arbaeen March postponed after govt–MWM deal

KARACHI: The federal government, Shia Ulema Council, and Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM) have reached a seven-point agreement, leading to the postponement of this year’s Arbaeen march.

The announcement came during a joint press conference last night in Karachi, attended by Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, and MWM leaders.

Under the agreement, a high-level committee will be formed to address pilgrims’ concerns, with representation from the government, MWM, and the Shia Ulema Council.

Nighttime showers predicted for Islamabad

Chaudhry said there would be no road travel for Arbaeen this year. Instead, special flight operations to Iraq will begin within the next two to three days.

The government will seek a 60-day extension in Iraqi visas and offer concessional airfare to those already holding valid visas. Pilgrims stranded at the border will be allowed to enter Iran, and the state has apologised for the hardships they faced.

Governor Tessori stressed that access to holy shrines should remain open and said the decision to postpone the Arbaeen march was aimed at resolving issues through dialogue rather than protest.

The Shia Ulema Council (SUC) has announced nationwide protests and sit-ins from today against the government’s move to block land routes for pilgrims heading to Iraq via Iran for Arbaeen.

Arbaeen, or Arbaeen Mashi, is an annual pilgrimage in which millions of Shia Muslims travel to Karbala, Iraq, to mark the 40th day after Ashura, the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Considered the world’s largest peaceful gathering, the event sees devotees walking long distances to reach the Imam’s shrine.