BY Muhammad Mustafa Mughal
Dera Ismail Khan, July 30: A large number of Arbaeen pilgrims and caravan leaders (salaraan) staged a protest and held a joint press conference on Wednesday against the federal government’s sudden decision to ban road travel to Iran and Iraq for the annual pilgrimage on Wednesday.
The protest took place at east circular road and was attended by central figures including Haji Rasheed Baloch, central office-bearer of Voice of Caravan Salar Pakistan, Syed Najam ul Hassan Shah from the seven-member Salaran Committee, Azhar Nadeem , Doctor Saeedurahman and Syed Ammar Yasser Kazmi, a member of ZGO Pakistan.
The protesters carried banners and placards demanding the restoration of land routes for the pilgrimage. They strongly criticized the government’s last-minute announcement, calling it an unjust move that disproportionately affects thousands of low-income pilgrims who had already completed all their travel and visa arrangements.
A press conference was also held earlier at a local hotel The speakers expressed deep concern over the federal interior minister’s recent tweet citing security concerns in Balochistan and instructing pilgrims to travel only by air. “This sudden shift in policy has caused immense distress and confusion. We had collected visa fees—approximately Rs30,000 per person and arranged logistics months in advance. Now we’re being told to opt for expensive air travel, which most pilgrims simply cannot afford,” said Haji Rasheed Baloch.
The leaders further revealed that Iran had already issued instructions to begin visa issuance from the first of Safar, and entry without a valid visa would not be allowed. “The government’s abrupt U-turn has resulted in financial losses amounting to billions of rupees for the pilgrims,” they said.
Speakers accused the government of failing to consider the sentiments and financial limitations of poor devotees. “This isn’t just a Shi’a matter—both Shi’a and Sunni Muslims travel for Arbaeen. It’s a journey of unity, sacrifice, and spiritual devotion,” said Syed Najam ul Hassan Shah.
They warned that if the government does not withdraw the ban and reopen the Taftan border, they will march on foot to Islamabad. “Karbala is the path of sacrifice. No one can stop us from walking that road. We have a constitutional right to perform religious pilgrimage safely and affordably,” said Syed Ammar Yasser Kazmi.
The speakers demanded immediate policy reversal, reopening of land routes, and facilitation of safe travel for pilgrims. They also emphasized that it is the government’s duty to ensure the safety and return of tax-paying citizens during religious pilgrimages. “The security concerns cited by the government have existed for years. Why impose a ban now, just days before Arbaeen, after all preparations have been made?” they questioned.
Calling the decision unacceptable and irresponsible, the caravan leaders appealed to the government to listen to the voice of millions of Pakistanis and avoid forcing unnecessary hardships on religious pilgrims.
