Pakistan Bans Overland Travel to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen Pilgrimage, Announces Special Flights

Pakistan Bans Overland Travel to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen Pilgrimage, Announces Special Flights
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The Pakistani government has officially prohibited its citizens from traveling overland to Iran and Iraq to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), citing concerns related to public and national security.

In a statement posted on the platform X (formerly Twitter), Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the decision was made after extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan provincial government, and national security agencies.

He described the move as a “difficult but necessary step” to safeguard the lives of citizens and uphold national security. Naqvi clarified that pilgrims can still participate in the pilgrimage via air travel. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the aviation ministry to increase the number of special flights available to Arbaeen pilgrims, ensuring smooth and secure transportation.

The restrictions come amid escalating security threats, particularly in the Balochistan region, which serves as a key overland route to Iran and onward to Iraq.
In coordination with the government’s decision, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced the launch of special Arbaeen flights.

Four flights are scheduled to depart from Karachi between August 8 and 11, with return flights from Najaf planned between August 18 and 21. Additional flights may be scheduled based on demand. Authorities also unveiled a new travel management system set to take effect in early 2026.

Under the new framework, Arbaeen travel will be restricted to approved tour operators, replacing the traditional “Salar” group system. The system will also support a major expansion in air travel capacity, including over 100 special flights to Iraq and an increase in weekly flights to Iran.