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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a special flight operation to transport Arbaeen pilgrims to Iraq, following the government’s ban on road travel to Iran and Iraq due to security concerns.
According to a PIA spokesperson, the special flights will run from August 8 to August 11, with return flights scheduled between August 18 and August 23.
The airline has introduced discounted fares for pilgrims, setting the ticket price at $675.
Ticket sales have already started, and PIA is prepared to add more flights based on demand. “We are monitoring the response closely and ready to increase capacity if needed,” the spokesperson said.
Every year, thousands of Pakistani pilgrims travel overland via Iran to attend Arbaeen in Iraq. However, this year, authorities have restricted road travel due to the security situation in Balochistan.
READ: Pakistan imposes new condition for pilgrims travelling to Iraq
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated on social media, “After consultations with the Foreign Ministry, Balochistan Government, and security agencies, road travel for Arbaeen pilgrims has been banned in the interest of public safety and national security.”
The decision has sparked protests in Quetta, where pilgrims demanded the restoration of road travel and better security arrangements. “Air travel is unaffordable for most people,” said one protester, urging the government to consider lower-income pilgrims.
Separately, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that the new Ziyarat Group Organizer (ZGO) system will replace the former Salar system. Registration is now mandatory for all Arbaeen pilgrims, similar to the Hajj and Umrah process.
So far, 585 companies have submitted documentation, with a registration deadline of August 10 for new organizers.
