Land travel banned for pilgrims to Iran, Iraq; special flights arranged

ISLAMABAD: In a recent National Assembly session, Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Asif reiterated that the government has prohibited pilgrims from traveling by land routes to Iran and Iraq this year, citing escalating security risks in the region.

Khawaja Asif said that the land route has been barred because there is a risk of terror attacks in Balochistan and surrounding regions. This move aligns with earlier statements by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who had described the decision as a “difficult” but necessary step taken after extensive consultations with security agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and provincial governments.

To ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims, the Defense Minister confirmed that the Iranian government has been permitted to operate flights from Quetta. Khawaja Asif also said that private airlines have also been authorised to fly on this route to facilitate travel.

Also read: Security concerns: Pilgrims barred from road travel to Iraq, Iran

The government’s decision comes ahead of the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, during which hundreds of thousands of devotees gather in Karbala, Iraq, to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). Due to heightened terrorist activity targeting travelers, officials deemed air travel the safest option.

Defending the policy, Khawaja Asif said that the government is facilitating pilgrims while prioritising their security.

The announcement follows rising security incidents in Balochistan, including attacks targeting buses carrying pilgrims and assaults on Chinese nationals linked to ongoing infrastructure projects. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting all residents and foreign nationals, including the Chinese community.

In coordination with the prime minister’s directives, special flights have also been arranged to accommodate the increased number of pilgrims opting for air travel.