Pakistan bans by-road travel to Iraq, Iran for Arbaeen

Defence affairs analysis

PIA announces special flight operation for Arbaeen

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a special flight operation for Arbaeen, starting from August 8. Special flights from Pakistan to Najaf will operate between August 8 and 11, while return flights from Najaf to Pakistan are scheduled from August 18 to 23.

The airline has set the fare for each passenger at $675. However, pilgrims traveling to Iraq have requested PIA to reduce the fare and add more flights.

The government on Sunday said the Pakistani pilgrims would be barred from travelling by road to Iran and Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the decision was taken by keeping in account public and national security.

Naqvi said on X post: “After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, [the] Balochistan Government, and security agencies, it has been decided that zaireen (pilgrims) will not be allowed to travel to Iraq and Iran by road for Arbaeen this year.”

Calling the decision difficult but required, the interior minister said the pilgrims would be able to travel by air.

Naqvi stressed that PM Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to “arrange maximum flights to facilitate their pilgrimage in the coming days”.

Naqvi’s statement came after he met with PM Shehbaz earlier today to brief him on the new policy for pilgrims.