MWM Pauses Protest Against Arbaeen Pilgrimage Travel Ban

The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) postponed its protest caravan against Pakistan’s ban on road travel for Arbaeen pilgrims after talks with Sindh’s governor.

On August 6, 2025, the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), a prominent religio-political party in Pakistan, temporarily halted its planned protest convoy from Karachi to Hub in response to the federal government’s ban on overland travel for the Arbaeen pilgrimage to Iran and Iraq, as reported by Geo.tv. The decision followed late-night discussions with Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who announced the postponement on Wednesday night, stating that the MWM agreed to pause the march at his request. The move comes amid ongoing tensions over the government’s restrictions, which cite security concerns along the routes to Karbala.

The federal government, led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, imposed the ban last month after consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Balochistan government, and security agencies, according to The News International. The prohibition affects approximately 700,000 Pakistani pilgrims who travel annually to Iraq for Arbaeen, a significant religious event marking the 40th day of mourning for Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), per Associated Press of Pakistan. MWM Vice Chairman Allama Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi emphasized that the pause is temporary, warning that the protest would resume if no resolution is reached by Thursday afternoon, as cited by Dawn. He argued that the government should provide viable alternatives, such as affordable air travel, if road routes are deemed unsafe.

Governor Tessori assured the MWM leadership that efforts are underway to extend Iraqi visa validity, increase special flights, and secure discounted airfares, according to Minute Mirror. He also confirmed discussions with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry to address the issue. MWM leaders, including Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, have criticized the ban as a violation of religious freedom under Article 20 of Pakistan’s Constitution, highlighting financial losses estimated at 50 billion Pakistani Rupees due to canceled travel arrangements, per The News International.

The postponement reflects a willingness to negotiate, but MWM remains firm on ensuring pilgrims can fulfill their religious obligations. As talks continue, the government faces pressure to balance security concerns with the rights of its citizens to practice their faith.