Pakistani Shia Call for End to Visa and Border Restrictions Ahead of Arbaeen Pilgrimage

Pakistani Shia Call for End to Visa and Border Restrictions Ahead of Arbaeen Pilgrimage
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Pakistani Shia pilgrims and religious groups are calling for urgent measures to resolve visa, border, and travel restrictions ahead of the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Hundreds of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims travel each year through Iran to reach Najaf and holy Karbala, often facing a difficult journey lasting more than two weeks. Religious activists, including groups such as Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen and the Shia Ulema Council of Pakistan, have repeatedly criticized sudden government decisions, including bans on land travel over security concerns.

They say such restrictions force low-income pilgrims to rely on expensive flights, making the pilgrimage unaffordable for many. Proposals such as subsidized air tickets, increased flights, trial sea routes, and changes to registration systems have not fully resolved the financial burden.

Pilgrims also report administrative obstacles at Iranian borders, including high financial deposits for non-Iranian pilgrims, delays in double-entry visas, and transport-related requirements that leave many travelers stranded or unable to reach Iraq before Arbaeen.

According to Shia News Agency, Pakistani caravan managers and pilgrims are urging Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan to use diplomatic channels to ease travel procedures. Their demands include timely and free visas, visa exemptions, larger quotas, removal of financial guarantees, and smoother passage for inspected buses to protect pilgrims’ safety and dignity.