Pakistan Bans Road Travel for Arbaeen Pilgrims Amid Security Concerns
Government Moves to Protect Pilgrims
In a key decision before Arbaeen, the government of Pakistan has banned road travel for pilgrims heading to Iran and Iraq. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the move on his official X account, explaining that the ban comes after detailed talks with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Balochistan Government, and security agencies.
“Zaireen will not be allowed to travel by road for Arbaeen this year,” said Naqvi. “This tough decision was made to protect public safety and uphold national secu-rity.”
Air Travel to Continue
While road routes are closed, air travel remains open. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered officials to increase the number of flights to accommodate the rising number of pilgrims. These extra flights aim to make the journey safer and more efficient.
A Shift from Tradition
For many years, thousands of Zaireen used land routes—especially through Balochistan—to reach holy sites in Najaf and Karbala. But road travel has often posed major risks, including past att@cks and regional instability. The shift to air-only travel reflects the government’s focus on safety over tradition.
New Group Management System Introduced
Along with travel changes, the government has also introduced a new structure for managing pilgrim groups. The long-standing Salar (group leader) system has been abolished. Replacing it is the Ziyarat Group Organizer (ZGO) model.
This change is part of a policy first introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The new ZGO system is designed to bring more transparency, accountability, and professionalism to group coordination.
Why the Change Matters
Officials say the ban and system overhaul are necessary steps to safeguard lives and improve logistics. Although many pilgrims preferred road travel for its lower cost and community feel, air travel offers a more controlled and secure environment—especially in the current regional context.
Looking Ahead
As the Arbaeen pilgrimage draws near, the focus remains on safe travel and organized management. The success of this new approach depends on efficient flight scheduling and effective group coordination under the ZGO system.
By shifting its strategy, Pakistan aims to honor the spiritual importance of Arbaeen while keeping public safety at the forefront.
