Talks Ongoing as Pilgrims Await Clarity on Overland Travel Ban
KARACHI: The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) has temporarily suspended its protest march against the government’s ban on overland travel for Arbaeen pilgrims, following assurances from Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori that the matter would be taken up with federal authorities.
During a late-night visit to the MWM secretariat on Wednesday, Governor Tessori told reporters that the party had agreed to put the march on hold, at least until further discussions scheduled for the following afternoon.
“We’re optimistic about reaching a resolution,” Tessori said, noting that dialogue with federal officials was underway.
The travel restrictions, announced last month by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, bar Pakistani pilgrims from crossing into Iran or Iraq by land for this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage, citing heightened security risks. The decision was made after consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and security agencies.
Governor Tessori confirmed he had spoken directly with Minister Naqvi, currently in the United States, who reiterated that the decision was based solely on safety concerns.
Tessori also assured MWM leaders that federal efforts were in motion to extend Iraqi visa validity, increase the number of special Arbaeen flights, and negotiate reduced airfare to facilitate the pilgrimage.
However, MWM Vice Chairman Allama Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi made it clear the protest was not over, only paused.
“We’ve only paused the march until the afternoon. If our concerns aren’t addressed, we’ll resume,” he warned.
He criticized the authorities for not offering a viable alternative, despite citing security threats as justification for the road travel ban.
“If road travel is deemed unsafe, the government must ensure another accessible route for pilgrims,” Rizvi emphasized, urging immediate action to enable Pakistani pilgrims to reach Karbala safely.
He further revealed that the Sindh governor had agreed to invite Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry to Karachi for further dialogue, expressing hope that this engagement would yield a workable solution.
Each year, an estimated 700,000 Pakistanis participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage, traveling to Iraq to commemorate the 40th day of mourning for Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), who was martyred at the Battle of Karbala.
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