Pakistan Is Arranging Special Flights for Pilgrims Traveling to Iran and Iraq Amid Security Concerns: Here’s What You Should Know Now

Published on July 28, 2025

Amid rising security fears, the Pakistan government has issued special flight arrangements for Shia Muslim pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq. The move had come after Islamabad temporarily halted the road travel to both the countries following an outbreak of sectarian violence in the troubled Balochistan province. The move has been announced to facilitate the safe travel for thousands of Pakistanis, annually visiting the two countries to meet religious relatives, and most commonly for the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

This was after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met and reviewed the new travel policy for the pilgrims. The special flights will help pilgrims make the journey, which commemorates the end of a 40-day period of mourning for Imam Hussain, a central figure in Shia Islam. The Iraq and Iran pilgrimage is considered the biggest religious event in the Shia Muslim world, and Arbaeen attracts millions of pilgrims every year.

Security Fears Lead To Suspension Of Road Travel

Balochistan, which borders Iran, has long been a violent area where pilgrims traveling overland have been singled out in sectarian attacks. (Both groups are ethnic Baloch militant separatist movements seeking a greater share of the province’s mineral resources.) Government of Pakistan has issued security concerns for the suspension of road travel to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen this year as we also know.

The decision to halt road travel was taken following inputs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan Government and security agencies, it said. The declaration also comes amid a recent rise in militant attacks in the province that underscores the growing insecurity in the region.

On Government’s Initiative to Organise Pilgrimages in a Better Way

Among the steps being taken to streamline and safeguard pilgrimages, the Pakistani government is also seeking to implement a central system for planning trips to religious destinations in Iran and Iraq. This would entail pilgrims having to register with authorized tour operators so that pilgrimages are better organized and regulated.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that from January 1 next year single-person pilgrimages will no longer be permissible. Instead, everyone has to travel with an approved tour agency. This step is taken following the apprehensions of Iran, Iraq and Syria that a few of the Pakistani pilgrims overstayed their welcome, or entered the countries for work illegally.

Description of Arbaeen – A Major Religious Observance of Shia Muslims

Arbaeen, the 40th day of the martyrdom of Imam Husayn in the battle of Karbala in 680 AD, is one of the most sigificant religious events in the Shia Muslim calendar. Every year, millions of Shia flock to Iraq, and in particular Karbala, to observe this occasion with the recitation of prayers, hymns and scriptures as well as the beating of one’s chest. Many of the pilgrims also visit holy shrines in Iran, such as the sacred shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad.

Pakistan is among the countries that stand at the forefront in the number of pilgrims being sent to Iraq and Iran, when mentioning southern region, it includes from the southern areas especially from both Sindh and Balochistan them.

New System Aims to Make Pilgrimage Easier

Pakistan has in the past faced criticism for failing to have in place a proper system for sending pilgrims to Iran and Iraq. The government did earlier in 2021 sign off on a system but failed in implementing it. This new structure will likely address many of the logistical and legal obstacles confronting pilgrims, and improve the functioning the of affairs of travellers and hosting states.

The people registered for Zaireen for Arbaeen would also be fully briefed about responsibilities but the country they travel to and the rules of entry of that country as and when his flight returns, he announced, the religious affairs minister added. Those actions are expected to reduce illegal overstays that have plagued both countries.

By Air: A Safer Journey for Pilgrims

Pilgrims are now finding it more convenient and safer to travel by air, given the halt of road trips. Pakistan’s Ministry of Aviation has also started arrangements with the airlines, helping to cater to the anticipated increase in air traffic in the Arbaeen pilgrim season.

Now these special flights are likely to be the only means of transport for a great number of pilgrims from Pakistan, particularly from the far-off regions, to visit the holy cities in Iran and Iraq. Many Shia leaders have praised the special flight arrangements as a much-needed decision to protect the lives of the zaireen (pilgrims).

Government Measures to Tackle Long-Term Problems

The shift in policy is also a sign that the Pakistani government is increasingly concerned about the long-term consequences of unregulated pilgrimages. Iran, Iraq and Syria have increasingly complained in recent years that Pakistani pilgrims exceeded their visa limits or broke local laws. The new initiatives are designed to directly confront these challenges, and to guide the timely and secure transportation of the pilgrims to their countries of destination.

Remarks: The Future of Religious Pilgrimages

It is therefore a highly positive step for Pakistan to have arranged special flights for those going to Iran, or Iraq for that matter for Hajj. Though dealing with pressing issues of road travel in Balochistan, it also prepares a framework for effective regulation of religious tourism in the coming times.

A coordinated system of pilgrimage management will mean that the pilgrims will be comfortable with the arrangement of their visas and safety while they are away.