ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that this year, pilgrims will not be allowed to travel to Iran or Iraq via Balochistan for Arbaeen.
In a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the minister said the decision was made after consultations with the Foreign Office and the Balochistan government. He emphasized that this difficult step was taken in view of public safety and national security concerns.
Naqvi clarified that air travel will be permitted for pilgrims wishing to attend Arbaeen. He added that the Prime Minister has directed authorities to operate as many special flights as possible to facilitate the religious travelers.
The decision is likely to impact thousands of Pakistani pilgrims who traditionally use land routes through Balochistan due to lower costs. The sudden shift to air travel may increase pressure on flight availability and raise affordability concerns among the general public.
