Islamabad, July 27, 2025 – In a significant development ahead of the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, announced that pilgrims (zaireen) will not be allowed to travel through Balochistan to Iran or Iraq this year. The decision, driven by national security concerns and safety considerations, has sparked attention across religious and social circles, particularly among Shiite communities preparing to observe the sacred event.

In a statement issued on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified that the government, after thorough consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Balochistan, has decided to prohibit land travel through Balochistan for Arbaeen pilgrims in 2025. The minister cited security threats, regional instability, and the imperative to ensure public safety as key factors behind this decision.

“This difficult decision had to be made in view of public safety and national security,” said the interior minister in his official statement.

Arbaeen – A Religious Journey of Millions

Arbaeen marks the 40th day of mourning after Ashura, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world—especially Shiite devotees—travel to Karbala, Iraq, to pay homage to Imam Hussain and his companions.

For many Pakistani pilgrims, the traditional land route through Balochistan to the Iran border and then onward to Iraq has been the preferred and affordable choice. However, in recent years, increasing security challenges in Balochistan, including incidents of terrorism, sectarian violence, and cross-border threats, have raised serious concerns for authorities.

National Security Over Convenience

According to Minister Mohsin Naqvi, this decision was not taken lightly. He stressed that safeguarding the lives of Pakistani citizens remains the government’s top priority.

“After comprehensive consultation with relevant authorities, including the Foreign Office and Balochistan provincial government, we concluded that allowing pilgrims to travel via Balochistan poses considerable risks this year,” he wrote.

Balochistan has long been considered a sensitive and volatile region, with numerous attacks in the past targeting pilgrims and security convoys. In previous Arbaeen seasons, convoys of zaireen traveling by road have occasionally been attacked or stranded due to poor infrastructure, border delays, or insurgent activity.

Alternative Arrangements: Air Travel and Additional Flights

To accommodate the spiritual needs of the pilgrims while ensuring their safety, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to maximize flight operations for Arbaeen travelers.

“Zaireen can travel to Iraq via air. The Prime Minister has instructed the aviation authorities to operate as many additional flights as possible to facilitate pilgrims,” Minister Naqvi stated.

The government has initiated coordination with airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to expand air connectivity from major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Quetta to Najaf and Baghdad in Iraq, as well as to Tehran and Mashhad in Iran for those intending to visit shrines in both countries.

Efforts are also underway to simplify visa processes, reduce airfare costs, and provide government-subsidized packages for deserving pilgrims. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is expected to launch a formal registration portal for Arbaeen 2025 in the coming days.

Mixed Reactions from Religious Circles

The decision to ban land travel has drawn mixed reactions from scholars and members of the Shiite community. While many recognize the need for enhanced security, others argue that closing the traditional route might create logistical burdens for low-income pilgrims who cannot afford air travel.

Speaking to media outlets, some clerics from Quetta and Parachinar expressed disappointment but acknowledged that pilgrims’ safety must be prioritized over tradition or convenience.

“We trust the government’s intentions, but we hope that fair and affordable alternatives are provided for all zaireen, especially the underprivileged,” said Allama Jafar Abbas, a prominent religious scholar from Gilgit.

Several community leaders have requested the federal government to subsidize airfare, ensure accommodation and transportation arrangements in Iraq, and maintain transparent coordination with host countries.

Historical Context of Land Route Challenges

In previous years, particularly between 2014 and 2022, multiple incidents occurred involving ambushes, bomb blasts, or abductions targeting convoys of pilgrims along the Quetta-Taftan route. Despite the presence of law enforcement escorts, the terrain and geopolitical complexities in Balochistan often made secure passage difficult.

The government had even established temporary transit camps and rest points, but critics say these measures proved insufficient in the face of sustained threats. The Iranian border town of Taftan, frequently overwhelmed by large crowds, also faced logistical and security bottlenecks.

Moving Forward

This year’s shift in policy highlights the evolving landscape of religious tourism and national security management in Pakistan. It underscores a growing emphasis on safety through strategic planning and international cooperation, rather than reliance on traditional methods that might be vulnerable to modern threats.

While challenges remain, the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and dignified journey for all Arbaeen pilgrims is evident in its proactive steps. The situation will continue to be monitored in coordination with regional governments and security agencies, with regular updates expected in the lead-up to Arbaeen.