MWM’s Arbaeen march against road-travel ban halted amid negotiations

The Arbaeen march, organised by the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), was barred from proceeding to Karbala, Iraq, via Balochistan, as authorities cited security concerns regarding overland travel.

The Arbaeen Hussaini march, which was scheduled to begin from Shahrah-e-Pakistan in Ancholi, turned into a protest after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced a temporary ban on land travel to Iran and Iraq due to heightened security threats.

In an attempt to defuse tensions, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori met with MWM leadership and assured them that the ban is temporary. He promised that the matter would be resolved by Thursday afternoon (today).

Read: MWM leader Hassan Zafar Naqvi injured in Numaish protest

Governor Tessori informed MWM leaders that he had spoken with Interior Minister Naqvi, who reiterated that the decision was made purely on security grounds. He also assured the protesters that discussions were underway to find a solution.

The protesters emphasised that their cross-border journey was part of a long-standing religious tradition commemorating Arbaeen, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS). They expressed frustration at being stopped just before departure.

Negotiations between the Sindh governor and MWM leadership are expected to continue today.

Governor Tessori also highlighted the government's efforts to ease the travel process for pilgrims, including extending the duration of Iraqi visas and exploring ticket fare concessions.

Read: Police arrest MWM protesters after violent clashes at Karachi's Numaish Chowrangi

MWM leader Allama Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi urged the authorities to offer an alternative route or arrangements for pilgrims if overland travel remains restricted.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had clarified that Arbaeen pilgrims would not be allowed to travel to Iran or Iraq via Balochistan, again citing security risks in the region.

The ban has prompted MWM to stage nationwide protests, calling for the immediate restoration of pilgrimage routes.