Govt ensuring safe, smooth travel for pilgrims to Iraq, Iran: Khawaja Asif

• Khawaja Asif says govt aims to ease pilgrim journey.
• Says land travel banned due to serious security concerns.
• All licenced private airlines allowed to provide services, he adds.

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the government is taking all necessary measures to facilitate pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen.

Speaking in the National Assembly, the defence minister emphasised that the safety and convenience of the pilgrims remain a top priority, and relevant departments have been directed to ensure smooth arrangements throughout the journey.

He informed the House that the government had restricted overland travel along the 800-kilometre route from Quetta due to serious security concerns, particularly the threat of terrorist attacks targeting pilgrim convoys.

To mitigate these risks, the federal government authorised the Balochistan government to operate direct flights from Quetta, allowing pilgrims to travel safely by air to their destinations.

The minister informed the House that one such flight had already been launched, and the government was pressing for more — either two flights daily or at least one regular service—to meet demand.

He said arrangements had also been made for onward transportation from airports in Iran and Iraq to the pilgrims’ intended sites.

He added that advertisements had been published over the past four days inviting private carriers to operate on the route, and all licenced private airlines had been allowed to provide services.

Chartered flights had also been approved to maximise the number of pilgrims able to travel safely.

Khawaja Asif said these measures were aimed at offering maximum facilities while avoiding the security hazards of road travel.

He urged potential operators and the market to take full advantage of the permissions granted.

The minister further said that during the recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan, the matter had also been discussed, and Iran had allowed an additional flight to facilitate the movement of Pakistani pilgrims.

“I want to assure the House and the people across Pakistan that the government is fully committed to ensuring safe, comfortable, and timely transportation for all Arbaeen pilgrims,” he added.