The Arbaeen march has been postponed following successful negotiations between the government, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), and the Shia Ulema Council. Both sides reached an agreement on seven key points to address concerns over travel restrictions for pilgrims.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said road travel for pilgrims is not possible this year due to the current security situation. Minister of State Talal Chaudhry announced that the government will offer discounted air tickets to facilitate those traveling for Arbaeen.
Pakistan has also requested Iraqi authorities to grant a 60-day visa extension for pilgrims. According to officials, flights to Iraq are expected to resume in the next two to three days. Students stranded at the border will be allowed to enter Iran. A high-level committee will be formed to continue talks and resolve remaining issues.
Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had confirmed that pilgrims would not be allowed to travel via land routes through Balochistan to Iran or Iraq this year because of security concerns. The decision had sparked nationwide protests, with MWM opposing the ban on overland travel for Arbaeen.
