Pakistan, Aug. 5 -- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly that special flights would be arranged for Arbaeen pilgrims this year. The federal government has directed the Balochistan government to operate direct flights from Quetta to Iran and Iraq. This follows a travel ban on road journeys due to major security threats. Every year, thousands of Shia Muslims travel overland to Karbala, Iraq, via Iran to attend Arbaeen rituals.

The road ban was announced last month due to the risk of terrorist attacks on pilgrim convoys. This decision sparked criticism from political parties and the Sindh government. Iran, meanwhile, advised Pakistani pilgrims to secure e-visas before August 7. Asif said the government was focused on pro...