In a bid to support religious pilgrims, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has opened applications for licensed operators to run chartered flights between Pakistan and Iran/Iraq.
This decision follows a government ban on road travel to both countries due to rising security concerns, especially for those heading to Iraq for Arbaeen and other religious events.
In a public notice released this week, the PCAA invited all valid air charter license holders to apply for permission to operate flights aimed at religious tourism. The authority emphasized that it will prioritize applications linked to pilgrimage-related travel.
According to officials, the PCAA is working closely with other relevant departments to ensure the flights are arranged safely and on time, particularly during the busy pilgrimage season.
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed the restriction on land travel, stating that only air travel would be permitted for Arbaeen this year. His remarks were shared on social media, reaffirming the government’s commitment to pilgrims’ safety.
Travel agents and religious tour organizers have expressed support for the new policy. They believe the shift to air travel will offer pilgrims a more secure and time-saving option, especially given the dangers often faced on cross-border roads.