Coalition ally PPP opposes road travel ban on Arbaeen pilgrims

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Monday criticised the federal government’s decision to bar pilgrims from travelling to Iran and Iraq by road for the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage, calling for enhanced security measures instead of imposing a ban.

Pilgrims travel annually to Iraq’s holy city of Karbala to observe Arbaeen — the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday announced the travel restriction, citing public safety and national security concerns. The decision comes amid ongoing security challenges, particularly in Balochistan, through which many pilgrims typically travel.

Responding to the development, PPP leader Syed Hassan Murtaza urged the federal and provincial governments to ensure the safety of pilgrims through the support of security agencies. “Why can’t a common man, who pays taxes to the state, travel by land?” he asked, warning that the move would disproportionately affect low-income pilgrims.

He added that many pilgrims save for months to travel by road, as it remains the more affordable option for families.

The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), a prominent Shia political party, also rejected the ban, calling it “unjustified, unconstitutional, and unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, the government plans to launch a new travel management system from January 1, 2026, under which pilgrims will only be permitted to travel under registered Zaireen Group Organisers. Weekly flights to Iran will be increased, and over 100 special flights will cater to Iraq-bound pilgrims this year.

Pakistan International Airlines has already announced special flights to Najaf from August 8 to 11, with return flights between August 18 and 23.