Pakistan organizes unique airborne voyages and affordable travel options for pilgrims headed to Iraq, following the shutdown of the land route
In a bid to enhance security and service quality for pilgrims, the Pakistani government has announced a new centralized system for organizing pilgrimages to holy sites in Iran and Iraq. This follows the temporary closure of the Rimdan border crossing due to security concerns and the suspension of road travel to Iraq and Iran.
The centralized system revolves around centralizing pilgrimage travel arrangements via direct special flights, replacing risky overland routes with safer, government-coordinated air travel options. This decision comes after a rise in militant attacks in the province by ethnic Baloch militant groups, which posed significant risks to pilgrims traveling by land through Balochistan.
In response to the suspension of road travel, protests by Shia religious and political parties ensued. However, the Pakistani government has since negotiated with these groups to ease the crisis by facilitating discounted air travel options and refunding payments made to bus and transport operators.
Pakistan has arranged special flights and coordinated with airlines to provide discounted tickets for Shia pilgrims traveling to Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage in 2025. These flights are expected to commence within the next two to three days.
Meanwhile, Iraq has expanded its infrastructure to accommodate the millions of Arbaeen pilgrims, including the deployment of dedicated buses to transport air travelers between airports and holy sites like Karbala. Security forces and volunteer helpers have been mobilized to ensure safe, orderly pilgrim movement. Iraqi authorities have also recommended increased public transportation to manage the massive influx and reduce traffic jams during the pilgrimage.
Najaf International Airport, a key gateway for this pilgrimage, has experienced a substantial increase in traffic, handling over 150,000 passengers and hundreds of flights during the Arbaeen period, reflecting improved coordination for pilgrimage travel.
The Arbaeen ritual is a significant religious occasion in Shia Islam, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Thousands of Pakistanis travel annually to Iran and Iraq to visit religious sites for this occasion.
This new arrangement aims to mitigate previous security risks and provide a smoother, safer pilgrimage experience for Pakistani Shia pilgrims visiting Iraq during Arbaeen. A committee will be set up by the government to resolve issues related to the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
It's important to note that this centralized system for pilgrimage organization is a significant departure from the previous lack of a formal structure for people to travel to Iran and Iraq for religious purposes. The government will play a role in ensuring that advance payments made to bus and transport operators for the Arbaeen pilgrimage are refunded.
The decision to restrict individual travel for religious pilgrimages from January 1, 2023, was made due to concerns raised by Iran, Iraq, and Syria about Pakistani pilgrims overstaying their visas or working illegally in the host countries. This decision was announced by the Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Although a system was approved in 2021 to organize these pilgrimages, little progress was made on its implementation. However, with the introduction of this new centralized system, Pakistan is taking a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens during religious pilgrimages.
- The Pakistani government's new centralized system for organizing pilgrimages includes arranging special flights for travelers, replacing risky overland routes with safer, government-coordinated air travel options, as seen in the plan for the Arbaeen pilgrimage in 2025.
- In addition to the centralized system, Iraq has expanded its infrastructure to cater to the millions of Arbaeen pilgrims, with dedicated buses transporting air travelers between airports and holy sites like Karbala for a smoother, safer pilgrimage experience.
- The government's decision to enforce the new centralized system for pilgrimages, which includes a committee to resolve Arbaeen pilgrimage-related issues, is a significant departure from the previous lack of a formal structure for travel to Iran and Iraq for religious purposes, as illustrated by the restriction of individual travel from January 1, 2023.
