In a major decision ahead of the annual Arbaeen zaireen, the federal government has barred all road travel to Iraq and Iran, citing security concerns and public safety. The announcement comes following detailed consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan Government, and security agencies.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the development in a statement, saying the decision was taken in light of potential threats along the overland route. "This difficult step has been taken in the interest of public safety and national security," he said.
While road travel will remain suspended, Zaireen (pilgrims) will still be permitted to travel by air. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to ensure the availability of maximum flights to accommodate pilgrims in the coming days. The government is expected to release a detailed plan soon to streamline air travel arrangements and provide assistance to affected pilgrims.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, draws thousands of Pakistani pilgrims each year. In October last year, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) launched a crackdown on agents involved in illegally sending over 50,000 Pakistanis to Iraq. The action follows the discovery of the illegal presence of more than 50,000 Pakistanis in Iraq. The Pakistani Embassy in Iraq had written a formal letter to the FIA about the alarming scale of illegal migration and exploitation of Pakistani nationals in Iraq.
The FIA Headquarters issued letters to its Gujranwala and Islamabad zones, instructing them to identify and take action against agents involved in the unlawful activities.