Visa Uncertainty, Security Pressures, and Bans Cloud Arbaeen Pilgrimage for Afghan and Pakistani Shia Communities
According to Shia Waves Persian, Shia communities in Afghanistan and Pakistan are confronting mounting obstacles in their preparations for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage, with unresolved visa issues, restrictive security measures, and outright bans threatening participation.
In Afghanistan, uncertainty persists over the issuance of Iranian and Iraqi visas for Afghan pilgrims, just days before Arbaeen. Travel agencies in Kabul report that while Iran had set an issuance deadline for 18 Safar and entry until 20 Safar, no visas had been granted by 17 Safar. Of the 11 Iranian conditions, only the $500 return-deposit requirement was waived, leaving major hurdles such as lack of transport facilities and short issuance windows unaddressed. The Iranian Ministry of Roads has reportedly said it cannot transport Afghan pilgrims to the Shalamcheh and Chazabeh border crossings. Additionally, ambiguity over Iraq’s visa policy—whether free or costing €80—has deepened concerns. Agencies warn that without at least a 20-day extension for visa processing, Afghan participation could be impossible. Severe quota limits, initially 11 and later raised to 40 per agency, remain well below past capacity.
Meanwhile in Pakistan’s Punjab province, state authorities have summoned licensed mourning organizers, Sabeel station managers, and security committee members, pressuring them to officially renounce Arbaeen processions. Threats include being placed on a “Fourth Schedule” security list. Shia leaders argue this violates Article 20 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. Senator Raja Nasir Abbas Jafari, head of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, condemned police harassment, blacklisting, and case filings—even against women’s gatherings—vowing that ceremonies would proceed without accepting state-imposed restrictions.
In Afghanistan’s Logar province, Taliban authorities have banned outdoor Arbaeen mourning processions in Khushi district, citing security concerns. Shia residents, who have previously held large public commemorations, oppose the measure and are engaging local elders to negotiate its reversal.
The convergence of visa uncertainties, security crackdowns, and outright prohibitions underscores the political and administrative hurdles facing segments of the global Shia community, despite their deep devotion to Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
