ISLAMABAD – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday that Pakistani pilgrims will not be allowed to travel by road to Iran or Iraq for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage, citing public safety and national security concerns.
The decision follows consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and security agencies. However, pilgrims will be permitted to travel by air, and arrangements are being made to increase flight availability.
“This difficult decision has been taken purely in the interest of public safety,” Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter). He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Aviation Ministry to arrange special flights to facilitate pilgrims in the coming days.
New Travel System in 2026
From January 1, 2026, Pakistan will implement a new travel management system. Pilgrims will only be able to travel through registered Zaireen Group Organisers, ending the traditional Salar System.
Weekly flights to Iran will increase from 6 to 15, and an additional 107 special flights will be launched for travel to Iraq.
PIA Announces Special Flights
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has also announced special flights for Arbaeen pilgrims. Four flights will depart Karachi between August 8–11, while return flights from Najaf will operate from August 18–21. More flights may be added depending on demand, a PIA spokesperson confirmed.
Gwadar Safe City Project
PM Shehbaz also directed the interior minister to begin work on the Gwadar Safe City project, which has faced delays. Officials say 30% of the project is complete, with full implementation expected by June 2026.
