By Ghulam Haider Shaikh
The recent decision to bar pilgrims from road travel to Iran and Iraq due to heightened security threats marks yet another reminder of the region’s fragile stability. While the move is ostensibly aimed at protecting lives from potential attacks and lawlessness along unsafe routes, it also underscores deeper, long-standing issues: the lack of secure pilgrimage infrastructure, the failure of bilateral coordination with neighboring countries, and a growing frustration among ordinary people who seek spiritual fulfillment but face policy limitations beyond their control.
Pakistan shares deeply rooted religious and cultural ties with both Iran and Iraq, as these countries host some of the most revered sites for Shia Muslims. Every year, thousands of Pakistani pilgrims travel to Karbala, Najaf, Mashhad, and other sacred places — often by road due to affordability, convenience, and deeply held traditions. This mode of travel, however, has frequently exposed pilgrims to risks such as terrorism, kidnapping, extortion, and harassment, especially when passing through volatile regions like Balochistan or unsecured border areas.
In light of intelligence reports and regional instability, the decision to restrict land travel may appear justified on the surface. No government can or should compromise on the safety of its citizens, particularly when there is credible information of imminent threats. However, this restriction must be seen not as a solution but a temporary and reactive measure. It highlights the state’s inability to ensure safe corridors for its people and the persistent failure to institutionalize secure pilgrimage routes despite repeated tragedies in the past.
This is not the first time such a ban has been imposed. The routes to Iran and Iraq have long been marred by sectarian violence, criminal networks, and poor infrastructure. Numerous incidents over the past two decades have exposed how lightly authorities have treated the needs and safety of pilgrims. From bomb attacks on buses in Balochistan to extortion rackets at border crossings, the journey — meant to be spiritual — has often turned into a nightmare. And each time the state’s response has been either silence or temporary suspension.
The way forward cannot rely solely on barring travel. It must begin with a serious, long-term commitment to making these routes secure. That means strengthening coordination between federal and provincial agencies, improving surveillance, deploying modern security technology, and ensuring that the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and provincial Home Departments function proactively — not merely in reaction to threats. Additionally, Pakistan must engage with Iran and Iraq on diplomatic levels to create joint mechanisms for the safety and welfare of pilgrims.
Equally important is the need to build and expand infrastructure that supports safe, regulated, and dignified travel. Pilgrims should not be forced to choose between financial strain and personal safety. Road convoys, when allowed, must be properly escorted, and rest stops along the route should offer food, shelter, medical facilities, and secure premises. The state should also support private transport operators with licensing and accountability measures, ensuring that only vetted companies are allowed to carry pilgrims across international borders.
Moreover, religious tourism should be seen as an opportunity — not a burden. With proper regulation, it can generate employment, foster cross-border people-to-people contact, and promote interfaith understanding. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, the government has yet to adopt a comprehensive policy on religious pilgrimage, particularly for Shia citizens traveling to Iran and Iraq. Without a serious rethink, bans and restrictions will become routine, and resentment will grow.
One cannot ignore the emotional and spiritual toll such restrictions impose. For many, the journey to Karbala or Mashhad is not just a tradition — it is a lifetime aspiration, often pursued after years of savings and sacrifice. Blocking road access without offering viable alternatives, especially for those who cannot afford air travel, deepens inequality and fuels a sense of neglect.
The current ban also raises questions about the state’s ability to balance security with fundamental rights. While the protection of life is paramount, the right to religious practice — including pilgrimage — is also constitutionally guaranteed. It is the duty of the state not only to protect citizens from harm but also to create conditions where such practices can take place safely and freely.
In conclusion, the decision to restrict road travel to Iran and Iraq for pilgrims might be understandable in the short term, but it cannot be the end of the conversation. Pakistan needs a policy overhaul when it comes to religious travel — one that balances faith with safety, rights with responsibility, and tradition with modern governance. Until that happens, bans will continue to reflect failure, not foresight.
