Pakistan Arranges Special Flights for Pilgrims to Iran and Iraq Amid Security Concerns

Pakistan has banned all road travel for pilgrims heading to Iran and Iraq for the 2025 Arbaeen pilgrimage, citing serious security concerns in Balochistan. The government is now arranging special flights and new travel systems to ensure pilgrims can still perform their religious duties safely.

The road travel ban, announced on July 27, 2025, by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, follows a rise in militant attacks targeting pilgrims in Balochistan. This decision affects thousands of Pakistani Shia Muslims who travel each year to Karbala, Iraq, for Arbaeen, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The ban is described as a “difficult decision” but necessary to protect lives and maintain national security.

To help pilgrims, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has started a special flight operation for Arbaeen. Outbound flights to Najaf, Iraq, are scheduled from August 8 to 11, 2025, with return flights from August 18 to 23, 2025. The round-trip fare is set at USD $675, which is about PKR 194,000–212,000. Ticket sales are already open, and the government says more flights will be added if needed. Weekly flights to Iran are also being increased from 6 to 15 to handle the extra demand. In addition, a new ferry service is being planned, though details are still being finalized.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the Ministry of Aviation to arrange as many flights as possible for pilgrims and to make sure air travel is safe and efficient. The government says it is ready to add more flights if the current capacity is not enough.

A major change this year is the introduction of the Ziyarat Group Organizer (ZGO) system, which replaces the old Salar (group leader) system. Now, all pilgrimage groups must register with a ZGO, similar to the way Hajj and Umrah are managed. As of July 10, 2025, 585 companies have already submitted paperwork to become registered organizers. New companies must register by August 10, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, only registered organizers will be allowed to arrange pilgrimages to Iran and Iraq.

This new system is partly a response to concerns from Iran, Iraq, and Syria about Pakistani pilgrims overstaying their visas or working illegally during their visits. From January 1, 2026, individual, unregistered travel for religious purposes will not be allowed. Only group travel through registered organizers will be permitted.

For pilgrims, this means all travel to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen in 2025 must be by air. Road routes are completely closed. PIA is the main airline, but the government may allow other airlines or charter flights if there is high demand. The set fare for the special Arbaeen flights is USD $675, but many pilgrims are asking for lower prices and more flights to make the journey affordable for everyone.

To travel, pilgrims must register with a Ziyarat Group Organizer. Only registered companies can organize pilgrimages, and individuals cannot travel on their own. The deadline for new organizers to register is August 10, 2025. This new rule has led to protests, especially in Quetta, where many pilgrims say air travel is too expensive for middle and lower-income families. They are asking the government to either bring back road travel or offer subsidies to help with the cost.

Key officials involved in these changes include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who ordered the special flights, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who announced the road travel ban and is overseeing the new policies. The Ministry of Religious Affairs is in charge of the new ZGO system and organizer registration. PIA is the main airline for special flights, and the Balochistan government and security agencies were consulted about the security situation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for pilgrims planning to travel in 2025:

1. Contact a Registered Ziyarat Group Organizer (ZGO):
   • Get a list of registered organizers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs or official government websites.
2. Register for the Pilgrimage:
   • Complete the registration process with the ZGO, providing your passport, CNIC, and other required documents.
3. Book Special Flight:
   • The ZGO will help you book a seat on a special flight with PIA or another approved airline.
   • Pay the fare (USD $675 for Arbaeen flights).
4. Obtain Visa:
   • The ZGO will assist with group visa applications for Iran or Iraq.
5. Travel:
   • Depart from assigned airports (such as Karachi, Islamabad, or Lahore) on the scheduled dates.
6. Return:
   • Follow group instructions for return flights and comply with all immigration and security rules.

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is a major event for Shia Muslims in Pakistan, who make up a large part of the international pilgrims traveling to Karbala each year. In the past, many would travel by road through Balochistan into Iran and then on to Iraq. However, repeated militant attacks in Balochistan have made road travel too dangerous, leading the government to focus on air travel for safety.

The new ZGO system and centralized registration were first suggested in 2021 but only fully put in place in 2025 because of ongoing concerns about visa overstays and illegal work by some pilgrims. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are meant to address both security and international concerns, while also making it easier for authorities to manage large groups of travelers.

Looking ahead, from January 1, 2026, only group travel organized by registered ZGOs will be allowed for pilgrimages to Iran and Iraq. Individual travel will be banned. The government also plans to increase the number of weekly flights and launch a ferry service to meet the growing demand. Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq are expected to work together to create a joint body that will help manage pilgrim travel and address cross-border security and administrative issues.

For official information, pilgrims and organizers can visit the Ministry of Religious Affairs website, which provides updates on ZGO registration, organizer lists, and policy changes. PIA’s official website offers flight schedules, fares, and booking details. The Government of Pakistan portal also shares press releases and policy documents.

Different groups have different views on these changes. The government says public safety and national security come first, and that the new system will help address concerns from Iran and Iraq about visa overstays. Many pilgrims, however, are upset about the high cost of air travel and want the government to offer subsidies or bring back road routes. Security experts support the ban, saying it is needed because of the ongoing threat of attacks in Balochistan. Some religious leaders are asking the government to provide more affordable travel options so that everyone can fulfill their religious duties safely.

Key dates and deadlines to remember include:
– Outbound Special Flights: August 8–11, 2025
– Return Special Flights: August 18–23, 2025
– ZGO Registration Deadline for New Organizers: August 10, 2025
– Full Implementation of ZGO-Only Travel: January 1, 2026

In summary, as of July 28, 2025, all Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen must use air travel, with special flights arranged by PIA and other airlines. Registration with a Ziyarat Group Organizer is now required, and the government is working to expand flight options and introduce new systems to keep pilgrims safe and follow international rules. The road travel ban is in place for the 2025 Arbaeen season, and more changes are expected in 2026 with the full rollout of the ZGO system. Pilgrims should stay updated through official channels and plan their journeys according to the new rules to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience.

Learn Today

Arbaeen → A major Shia pilgrimage marking the 40th day after Imam Hussain’s martyrdom in Karbala, Iraq.
Ziyarat Group Organizer (ZGO) → A registered company authorized to organize pilgrim groups traveling to Arbaeen in Iran and Iraq.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) → Pakistan’s national airline arranging special flights for pilgrims during the Arbaeen season.
Balochistan → A Pakistani province facing militant attacks, leading to the road travel ban for pilgrims.
Pilgrimage Visa → A travel visa issued for religious visits, now issued to groups via registered ZGOs only.

This Article in a Nutshell

Pakistan banned road travel for Arbaeen pilgrims in 2025 amid security threats, arranging special flights. New Ziyarat Group Organizer registration is required to control and secure group pilgrimages to Iran and Iraq.
— By VisaVerge.com