Karachi ( The COW News Digital)A protest march organized by Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) in Karachi against the government’s ban on land travel to Karbala was temporarily halted following negotiations with government officials.
The protest, launched in response to a federal government directive prohibiting Arbaeen pilgrims from traveling to Iraq via land routes through Balochistan and Iran, drew a significant crowd of participants. The march was suspended temporarily after Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the MWM headquarters late last night for emergency talks with the group’s leadership.
Speaking to the media outside the MWM Secretariat, Governor Tessori confirmed, “MWM has agreed to suspend the march for now. We will meet again this afternoon to find a resolution to the matter.” He added that he had spoken with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in the U.S., who cited security threats as the primary reason behind the land travel ban.
Governor Tessori also stated that efforts are underway to request visa extensions for Iraqi pilgrimage visas and that the federal government is considering launching additional flights to accommodate pilgrims. He further committed to seeking discounted airfare for travelers.
Despite the temporary halt, MWM Vice Chairman Allama Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi emphasized that the protest is not over. “Our march is ongoing. We have paused until the afternoon and will evaluate the situation. If we must resume, we will,” he said.
He criticized the government’s approach, stating, “Imposing a ban without providing a viable alternative is unacceptable. The government must ensure that pilgrims reach Karbala, one way or another.”
The controversy began earlier this week when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that due to heightened security concerns, pilgrims would not be allowed to travel to Iraq via Balochistan this Arbaeen season. The decision sparked backlash from religious organizations and civil society, leading MWM to call for nationwide protests.
MWM insists that the government’s unilateral decision disrupts long-standing pilgrimage routes and affects thousands of devout travelers who depend on land routes due to affordability.
As tensions rise, today’s afternoon meeting between MWM and government representatives is seen as a crucial moment to find a middle ground. Both sides have expressed hope that a peaceful and respectful resolution can be reached in time for Arbaeen.
