**Shia Ulema Council Demands Immediate Reversal of Ban on Pilgrims Traveling by Land**
The Shia Ulema Council of Pakistan has strongly condemned the government’s decision to ban pilgrims from traveling to holy sites via land routes, calling the move unconstitutional and a violation of religious freedoms. Council leaders urged the government to provide security and keep routes open, warning that failure to resolve the issue through dialogue could prompt further action from the community.
During an emergency press conference at the National Press Club, Allama Dr. Shabbir Hussain Maisami, Secretary General of the Shia Ulema Council, emphasized that there are no war-like conditions between Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq to justify such drastic measures. He described the ban as both an overreach and contrary to constitutional rights, insisting that the government’s responsibility is to ensure security rather than restrict religious activity.
Other senior council officials, including Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi, central vice president, and Zahid Ali Akhoonzada, central secretary of information, echoed these concerns. They argued that placing a ban on pilgrims under the pretext of terrorism demonstrates governmental failure, rather than addressing the core security concerns. The council pointed out the economic impact, noting that organizers and pilgrims have already spent billions in preparation for Arbaeen, a sacred journey, and that suddenly blocking land routes has inflicted severe financial and emotional losses on the community.
The leaders also criticized the government’s sudden reversal on earlier promises to facilitate pilgrims, declaring the move unjustifiable and damaging to public trust. They urged authorities to either provide comprehensive security at alternative border points, such as the Ramdan crossing, or, if unable to guarantee safety, to compensate pilgrims by offering them free air travel from Quetta.
Allama Wahidi highlighted ongoing efforts to engage with senior government officials, including the Interior Minister, in search of a resolution. However, he cautioned that if a mutually acceptable solution is not reached and unilateral decisions continue, the council would consider all available options and announce a future course of action.
In conclusion, the Shia Ulema Council called on the government to immediately reconsider its decision and lift the ban on land travel for pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey of Arbaeen, ensuring safe and accessible routes as previously promised.