Pakistan Bans Road Travel for Pilgrims to Iran and Iraq — Special Flights Ordered

Islamabad — The Government of Pakistan has banned pilgrims from traveling to Iran and Iraq by road. The decision, aimed at ensuring public safety and national security, allows only air travel for pilgrims heading to participate in Arbaeen 2025 rituals.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on the matter by Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi during a meeting that also included a discussion on the security situation in Balochistan.

The Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Aviation to immediately launch special flights to accommodate pilgrims during the peak travel period. This measure aims to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to pilgrims who are now restricted to air travel only

Additionally, PM Sharif instructed that work should immediately begin on the Gwadar Safe City Project to enhance security in the region.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated:

“This decision was made after extensive consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Balochistan, and national security agencies. Although it was a difficult choice, it was crucial for the safety of the public and the national interest.”

He assured that pilgrims can still attend Arbaeen via air travel, and that the government is making arrangements to provide maximum air transport options in the coming days.

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