ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has officially banned road travel for pilgrims (Zaireen) heading to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen this year, citing national security and public safety concerns. The decision follows extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan Government, and key security agencies.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the decision via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, “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 public safety and national security.”
However, the federal government has confirmed that pilgrims will still be allowed to travel by air. Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to arrange additional flights in the coming weeks to ensure maximum facilitation for pilgrims during the sacred event.
Arbaeen, which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, draws millions of Shia Muslims from around the world, including tens of thousands from Pakistan. Traditionally, many Pakistani pilgrims travel overland through Balochistan into Iran and onward to Iraq. However, deteriorating security conditions along the route have raised serious concerns in recent years.
In parallel to the new travel restrictions, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has accelerated the implementation of a revised policy, initially introduced in 2021. As of July 10, 2025, the government has abolished the Salar (group leader) system and replaced it with a more structured Ziyarat Group Organizer (ZGO) model.
Additionally, registration has been made mandatory for all pilgrims, aligning the process with those of Hajj and Umrah. A ministry spokesperson confirmed that 585 companies have already completed the required documentation, while new companies must register by August 10, 2025.
The new policies and travel limitations come as part of the government's broader efforts to ensure a secure and well-regulated pilgrimage experience amid regional and domestic security challenges.
