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

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – 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.

After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Balochistan Government, and security agencies, it has been decided that Zaireen will not be allowed to travel to Iraq and Iran by road for Arbaeen this year. This difficult decision was taken in the interest of…

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 27, 2025

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.

Government decides to increase flights for pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq

The premier also directed Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif to arrange “special flights for the pilgrims, APP stated, citing a press release from the PM Office.

Iraq’s Karbala, where Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas are buried in two enormous mausoleums facing each other, is the centre of the Shia world during this time. More than 21 million devotees took part in the pilgrimage last year.

Pakistan is set to introduce a new travel management system from Jan 1, 2026, under which pilgrims will only be allowed to undertake the journey under registered organisers. 

PM directs Naqvi to launch Gwadar Safe City project

In a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the immediate initiation of the Gwadar Safe City project.

Prime Minister @CMShehbaz directs Interior Minister @MohsinnaqviC42 to initiate work on Gwadar Safe City#RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/oGekjA8u3m pic.twitter.com/aN5vPV33N7

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) July 27, 2025

The two also reviewed the law and order situation in Balochistan. The Safe City initiative aims to enhance public safety in Gwadar, especially in key strategic areas, and support law enforcement agencies in crime detection and investigation through advanced evidence collection systems.

Originally planned in 2016, the first phase of the Gwadar Safe City project was approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in February 2023 at a cost of Rs4.97 billion.

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.