Govt to operate direct flights from Quetta to Iran, Iraq for Arbaeen pilgrims

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that the government is making arrangements for Arbaeen pilgrims after a recent decision to ban overland travel to Iran and Iraq due to security concerns.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, he said the federal government has allowed the Balochistan administration to operate direct flights from Quetta to Iran and Iraq to ensure pilgrims can travel safely.

"Given the threat of terrorist attacks targeting pilgrim convoys, the ban on road travel was essential," the minister said. "To mitigate risks, the government has facilitated air travel as a safer alternative."

قومی اسمبلی کے اجلاس کے دوران وفاقی وزیر برائے دفاع خواجہ محمد آصف کا عراق اور ایران جانے والے زائرین کے لئے مہیا کردہ سفری سہولیات کے حوالے سے اظہار خیال
#NASession @KhawajaMAsif pic.twitter.com/poHnYZnkgS

— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 5, 2025

He said that Iran had so far approved one direct flight from Quetta, and Pakistani authorities are pushing for more flights, adding that transportation arrangements had also been made for pilgrims upon arrival in Iran and Iraq.

In an effort to expand capacity, the federal government has invited private airlines to operate on the pilgrimage route. "All licensed private carriers have been authorised to provide services, and chartered flights have been approved to ensure a greater number of pilgrims can travel by air," he said.

Also Read: Coalition ally PPP opposes road travel ban on Arbaeen pilgrims

The defence minister noted that the issue had been raised during the recent state visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan, and an additional flight had since been allowed by Iranian authorities.

"I want to assure the House and the public that the government is fully committed to ensuring safe, comfortable, and timely transport for all Arbaeen pilgrims," Asif said, urging private operators to make full use of the permissions granted.