KARACHI – Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and the Shia Ulema Council have announced that the Arbaeen March postponed decision comes after successful talks with the federal government.
The discussions resolved disputes over restrictions on Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq and Iran by road. Both sides reached a seven-point agreement that addressed key concerns raised by the religious leadership.
The Ja’fariyah Negotiation Committee met Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry. The meeting focused on issues faced by pilgrims stranded at border areas due to the travel ban.
Representatives included Allama Dr. Shabbir Hassan Maisami and Maulana Azhar Taqi from the Shia Ulema Council, while MWM was represented by Chairman Allama Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi and Agha Baqar Zaidi.
Government officials assured that pilgrims would receive airfare subsidies if they were planning to travel via land routes. Special arrangements will be made to clear those currently stuck at the borders. The authorities also agreed to refund annual bus fees collected from pilgrims earlier in the year.
This development came after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that Pakistani pilgrims would not be allowed to travel by land through Balochistan for Arbaeen this year. The decision aimed to address security and logistical challenges.
Following the ban, MWM had called for nationwide protests to demand the restoration of road travel facilities. However, with the new agreement in place, the Shia Ulema Council has now suspended its protest call.
The settlement is expected to ease tensions and ensure smoother arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims traveling for Arbaeen. The focus will now shift to air travel facilitation, timely visa processing, and support for those affected by the earlier restrictions.
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