Pilgrims from Pakistan Face Uncertainty as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Travel Plans
KARACHI – As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, Pakistani pilgrims planning to visit sacred religious sites in Iraq and Iran are caught in a wave of uncertainty. The recent suspension of flights and partial airspace closures have put thousands of pilgrimage journeys on hold, especially with the Islamic month of Muharram fast approaching.
Travel Dreams Disrupted by Conflict
Syed Baqir Ali Jafferi, a 61-year-old Karachi resident, had been preparing for his long-awaited pilgrimage to Karbala for over a decade. With all documentation complete and Muharram nearing, he was set to fly out soon—until escalating military strikes between Israel and Iran brought travel to a halt.
Pilgrims like Jafferi typically travel to Iraq through Iran by land or fly directly, often stopping at major Shia holy sites such as Mashhad and Kumbh. However, a growing list of airlines has now suspended operations to key cities in the region:
Airlines That Have Suspended Flights:
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FlyDubai: Flights to Iran and Iraq suspended until June 20
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Emirates: Flights to Tehran, Basra, and Baghdad suspended until June 30
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Qatar Airways: Flights to Iran, Iraq, and Syria suspended indefinitely
The ongoing conflict was triggered after Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, military installations, and infrastructure—prompting a significant missile retaliation by Iran. The resulting instability has led to airspace restrictions and widespread travel disruptions.
Emotional Toll on Devotees
Raza Zaidi, another pilgrim from Pakistan, had planned to mark Eid al-Ghadeer in Najaf with his family. “Our visas and hotel bookings were all confirmed. But just days before our flight, FlyDubai cancelled operations due to the regional conflict,” he shared.
Road Route in Question Too
For those opting to travel overland, confusion also looms. Although reports initially suggested that the Pakistan-Iran border was closed, the Foreign Office clarified that all border crossings remain operational.
Still, travel agents say the uncertainty is affecting plans. Moosa Raza, director of Al Haramain Travel Agency, reported a record number of Ziarat bookings this year, but “all of them are now hanging in the balance,” he said.
Hopes Hang by a Thread
For Fatima Sohail, a teacher from Karachi, this pilgrimage had been planned for over a year. “I was hoping to spend the first 10 days of Muharram in Karbala during my summer break,” she said. But she recently received notice from her travel provider that Iraqi authorities are advising against any incoming travel due to security concerns.
Though disappointed, Fatima remains hopeful. “If it’s destined to happen, it will,” she said with quiet resolve.
Dara Baig, also from Karachi, echoed a similar sentiment. His flight to Iraq was scheduled between the 3rd and 4th of Muharram, but is now in limbo. “We are ready to leave at a moment’s notice,” he said. “Ziarat means pushing forward, even in the face of fear.”
Conclusion
As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues into its second week, Pakistani pilgrims—some with once-in-a-lifetime travel plans—are left facing delays and emotional stress. With Muharram beginning on June 27, they now await clarity on whether their spiritual journeys can proceed.
Stay tuned for updates on travel advisories and flight resumptions as the situation evolves.
