Protests increase in Pakistan over ban on Arbaeen pilgrims’ land travel

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): The Muslim Unity Assembly, Tehreek-e-Islami and Shia Ulema Council of Pakistan have expressed their deep concern over this unexpected decision by the government and have called for an immediate review by the authorities and security for pilgrims’ land travel instead of taking strict measures.

 

The head of the Muslim Unity Assembly party announced at a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday that peaceful nationwide protests against the ban on land travel to Iran and Iraq during Arbaeen will begin on Wednesday.

 

Senator Allama Nasser Abbas Jafari stressed that tens of thousands of Arbaeen pilgrims have already paid for their land travel expenses, including visas for Iran and Iraq, transportation, hotel reservations and inns in the two destination countries, and now, with this irrational decision of the government, it is unclear who will be responsible for compensating the pilgrims for this huge financial loss.

 

He added: “Any sanctions and strict measures on religious freedom are a violation of Article 20 of the Constitution of Pakistan, and we will never accept such illegal, immoral and illegitimate measures.”

 

Senator Jafari, while criticizing the performance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Pakistan, asked the government to provide an alternative solution for Arbaeen pilgrims if the authorities insist on closing land routes.

 

According to IRNA, last Sunday, the Pakistani Interior Minister announced that Islamabad has taken a “difficult” decision to ban land travel for Arbaeen pilgrims this year in order to ensure public and national security, and for this purpose, a plan to increase air travel is on the agenda. He stated: "After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan provincial government, and security organizations, it was decided that pilgrims will not be allowed to travel by land from Pakistan to Iran and Iraq (for this year's Arbaeen).