Pakistan to organize unique airline services and affordable travel options for pilgrims, in response to the closure of the land route to Iraq
In a significant move to ensure the safety of Shia pilgrims, the Pakistani government has announced special and discounted flights for Arbaeen pilgrims traveling to Iraq in 2025 [1][2][3]. This decision comes after the suspension of the traditional road travel route through Balochistan due to increasing security concerns and sectarian violence in the region.
Key details and timeline:
- Suspension of Road Travel: In late July 2025, Pakistan temporarily halted overland pilgrimage routes through Balochistan due to threats from militant groups targeting pilgrims [1][2].
- Special Flights Started Early August 2025: The Pakistani government, after negotiations with Shia political and religious leaders, announced the arrangement of special flights with discounted airfares to Iraq, facilitating safer travel for Arbaeen pilgrims. State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry confirmed that these flights would begin operating within two to three days of the announcement around early August [2][3][4].
- Coordination with Airlines: The government is coordinating with airlines to ensure ticket discounts for pilgrims, including those who already hold Iraqi visas and may have preferred overland travel. Refunds are being arranged for advance payments made to bus and transport operators for the now-closed land routes [3].
- Direct Flights from Quetta: To enhance convenience and security, direct flights from Quetta to Iraq have been authorized and commenced as of early August 2025, with more daily flights planned. All licensed private airlines and charter operators have been invited to operate on this route [5].
- Security Context: The border province of Balochistan has been a flashpoint for violence against pilgrims, prompting the government’s decision to close the Rimdan border crossing temporarily [1][3][5].
Interested parties are required to register as tour operators for the new system. For those whose Iraqi visas have already been issued, discounted tickets will be provided for overland travel [6].
It is important to note that Arbaeen is a significant religious occasion in Shia Islam that marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussain. The Pakistani government is introducing a new, centralized system for organizing pilgrimages to holy sites in Iran and Iraq [7].
From January 1, 2023, Pakistani pilgrims will not be able to individually travel for religious pilgrimages due to concerns raised by Iran, Iraq, and Syria about overstaying visas or working illegally [8].
This move by the Pakistani government is expected to provide a safer and more organized approach for the annual thousands of Pakistanis who travel to Iran and Iraq to visit religious sites, including observing Arbaeen.
[1] https://www.geo.tv/latest/393514-pakistan-suspends-road-travel-to-iraq-and-iran-for-arbaeen-pilgrimage [2] https://www.dawn.com/news/1645663 [3] https://www.geo.tv/latest/393561-pakistan-to-arrange-special-flights-for-arbaeen-pilgrims-to-iraq [4] https://www.geo.tv/latest/393576-arbaeen-pilgrims-to-get-discounted-tickets-if-they-travel-by-air-says-state-minister [5] https://www.geo.tv/latest/393578-pakistan-to-operate-direct-flights-from-quetta-to-iraq-for-arbaeen-pilgrims [6] https://www.geo.tv/latest/393576-arbaeen-pilgrims-to-get-discounted-tickets-if-they-travel-by-air-says-state-minister [7] https://www.geo.tv/latest/393577-pakistan-to-form-committee-to-resolve-arbaeen-pilgrims-issues [8] https://www.geo.tv/latest/393578-pakistan-to-operate-direct-flights-from-quetta-to-iraq-for-arbaeen-pilgrims
- Amidst increased safety concerns for Shia pilgrims in the region, the Pakistani government has announced special and discounted flights for Arbaeen pilgrims traveling to Iraq in 2025, marking a shift from the traditional road travel route.
- With a surge in security issues and sectarian violence, Pakistan temporarily halted overland pilgrimage routes through Balochistan in late July 2025, instigating the need for an alternative means of travel.
- The Pakistani government has also launched an initiative to centralize the organization of religious pilgrimages, aiming to provide a safer and more structured approach for visitors to holy sites in Iran and Iraq.
- In an effort to streamline the Arbaeen pilgrimage process, the Pakistani government is collaborating with various airlines to offer ticket discounts and provide refunds for advance payments made for the now-closed land routes.
