Pakistan has suspended road travel for Arbaeen pilgrims heading to Iraq and Iran, citing safety and regional security concerns. The decision has disrupted plans for thousands of Shia pilgrims who usually travel overland for the annual pilgrimage to Karbala, leading to widespread concern and appeals for the government to review the ban.
In a significant and controversial move, the government of Pakistan has announced a nationwide ban on road travel for pilgrims heading to Iran and Iraq for the 2025 Arbaeen pilgrimage. This decision comes amidst growing security concerns in the southwestern province of Balochistan, particularly along the Quetta–Taftan border route traditionally used by Shia pilgrims.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the decision, though difficult, was made in the interest of national security and the protection of thousands of Pakistani citizens participating in the annual pilgrimage. The government has mandated that all pilgrims must now travel exclusively by air to attend Arbaeen in Iraq.
Reasons Behind the Road Travel Ban
The rationale provided by the Ministry of Interior, supported by intelligence and provincial authorities, includes several key points:
- Security Threats in Balochistan: The Quetta–Taftan corridor has long been vulnerable to terrorist activities. Past incidents, including bombings and targeted attacks on pilgrims, have made the route increasingly dangerous.
- Sectarian Tensions: Given the sectarian nature of some militant groups in the region, Shia pilgrims are considered a high-risk group when traveling through unsecured road networks.
- Lack of Infrastructure: There is a shortage of safe accommodations, medical facilities, and security personnel along the land route, making it unsustainable for large-scale pilgrim convoys.
- Intelligence Alerts: Recent intelligence inputs suggested credible threats to pilgrim groups planning to travel overland.
As a result, federal and provincial authorities concluded that allowing road travel during this year’s Arbaeen would be “irresponsible and risky.”
Alternative: Special Air Travel Arrangements
With road routes suspended, the government has turned its focus to arranging special air travel services for pilgrims.
Special Flights Initiated: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other carriers have scheduled flights from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad to Najaf, Iraq.
Ticket Pricing: PIA has capped its fare at approximately Rs. 212,000 per person, while private airline tickets range between Rs. 300,000 and Rs. 350,000.
Flight Schedule: Flights to Najaf are scheduled to depart from August 8 to 11, with return journeys from August 18 to 21.
Priority for Elderly and Needy: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has been directed to prioritize senior citizens and financially disadvantaged pilgrims during flight allocations.
Comparative Overview: Road vs Air Travel
| Travel Mode | By Road (Now Banned) | By Air (Permitted) |
|---|---|---|
| Security Level | High Risk (militant attacks, insurgency) | Low Risk (airport and flight security) |
| Duration | 4–7 days | 4–6 hours |
| Cost Estimate | Rs. 50,000–80,000 | Rs. 212,000–350,000 |
| Pilgrim Support | Informal salar system | Regulated through government-approved organizers |
| Group Travel Allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Status for 2025 | Banned | Allowed |
Religious and Political Reactions
Religious Groups Response
Several Shia organizations have condemned the ban as discriminatory and unjust. The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) announced a nationwide protest campaign, including peaceful sit-ins and processions in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
Religious scholars argue that the decision violates the constitutional right to religious freedom and imposes financial burdens on pilgrims, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
Senate Committee’s Criticism
The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs criticized the government’s handling of the situation. Committee members expressed concern over the financial implications for pilgrims and the sudden nature of the decision, which disrupted plans for thousands who had already paid for road travel packages.
The committee called on the government to create financial relief programs and negotiate subsidized airfares with private airlines.
Impact on Pilgrims and Tour Operators
Financial Losses: Many pilgrims had made advance payments for transport, visas, and accommodation. The abrupt ban has left them scrambling for refunds or struggling to afford costly air travel.
Canceled Group Trips: Numerous local travel operators had already organized road-based pilgrimages, which now stand canceled.
Logistical Pressure: Airlines are under pressure to accommodate the massive volume of pilgrims on short notice. Tour operators have also reported difficulties coordinating the transition from land to air travel logistics.
Regulatory Shift: 2026 Group Travel System
Starting January 1, 2026, the Pakistani government will implement a new pilgrimage management system under which all Arbaeen pilgrimages must be organized through registered Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs). Key features of this system include:
End of Salar System: The traditional salar-based group arrangement will be replaced by licensed operators approved by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Visa Compliance and Returns: ZGOs will be responsible for arranging visas, ensuring timely returns, and maintaining a high standard of travel safety.
Accountability Measures: In case of any incident or breach, the organizing group can be held accountable, enhancing operational discipline.
Arbaeen Pilgrimage in Context
Arbaeen, observed 40 days after Ashura, commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali. It is considered one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world, attracting over 20 million pilgrims annually in Karbala, Iraq.
Pakistan contributes significantly to this gathering, with an estimated 600,000 to 700,000 Pakistani pilgrims participating each year. Most of them have traditionally preferred road travel due to lower costs and spiritual significance associated with the journey.
The road travel ban is, therefore, a major disruption to both religious tradition and logistical operations for one of the largest Shia pilgrimages in the world.
Summary: Key Points at a Glance
The Government of Pakistan has banned road travel for Arbaeen pilgrims due to security risks in Balochistan.
All travel must now be conducted via air, with special flights arranged by PIA and private carriers.
Airfares range between Rs. 212,000 and Rs. 350,000 — unaffordable for many low-income pilgrims.
Shia organizations have condemned the ban and launched nationwide protests demanding reversal or subsidies.
The Senate committee has urged the gvernment to find immediate solutions to avoid public unrest.
From 2026 onward, all Arbaeen pilgrimages will be conducted through registered group organizers under a new national policy.
The ban on overland Arbaeen travel has stirred national debate, with security imperatives clashing against religious freedom and economic fairness. While the government argues that the move is necessary for the safety of pilgrims, the financial burden and abrupt nature of the decision have left many disillusioned. Protests are growing, and political pressure is mounting to either reverse the ban or subsidize air travel. Meanwhile, authorities are focusing on implementing a structured travel policy that may provide long-term stability and safety for religious pilgrimages.
The coming weeks will reveal whether dialogue and practical solutions can bridge the gap between policy and people’s expectations.
