Following the failure of talks between the federal government and Shia organizations regarding the reopening of land routes for pilgrims heading to Iraq for Arbaeen, the Shia Ulema Council of Pakistan (SUC) has announced the launch of a nationwide protest movement, the 24NewsHD TV reported on Monday.
The announcement was made during a press conference held after the conclusion of the SUC’s two-day central executive council meeting in Islamabad on Monday, presided over by Millat-e-Jafariya head Allama Syed Sajid Ali Naqvi.
The meeting focused extensively on the government's decision to block overland travel for sacred pilgrimages during Arbaeen and the ongoing, yet fruitless, negotiations with federal authorities.
“The government has failed to produce any tangible outcomes on this vital religious issue despite several rounds of dialogue,” the SUC leadership stated.
“Instead of offering a resolution, officials have continuously resorted to delaying tactics, wasting the valuable time of pilgrims.”
In response, the Shia Ulema Council, along with other Shia organizations, has resolved to begin nationwide protests starting today.
Protest rallies will be held across the country from tomorrow, with a large-scale, coordinated demonstration planned for Friday.
The protests aim to pressure the government into reversing its decision and reopening land routes to Iraq in time for Arbaeen, one of the holiest annual pilgrimages for Shia Muslims.
“If the government does not reconsider its decision, those who miss the traditional Mashaya (symbolic walk to Karbala) in Iraq will perform it on Pakistani soil,” warned SUC leaders.
Prominent cleric Allama Shabbir Meesami added that as a form of protest, Chehlum processions could be intentionally halted on main roads throughout the country.
SUC Secretary General further criticized the federal leadership for their "irresponsible and unserious" approach to what he described as a grave religious and communal concern.
“The government's indifference to such a sensitive matter has left us with no option but to go to the masses and fight for our religious rights,” he added.