Pakistan has told Ziyarat group organisers not to send pilgrims through Al-Sheeb, the Iran to Iraq land crossing that Iraq has closed. In a press release on 30 October, reported by Arab News Pakistan, the Ministry of Religious Affairs directed registered organisers not to dispatch Pakistani pilgrims towards Al-Sheeb until Iraq officially confirms its reopening or authorises another land route, and to inform their registered pilgrims promptly so that no one is stranded. Iraq closed the crossing, in Maysan province, to passengers, vehicles and commercial trucks on 21 October for a review of its security arrangements, until further notice and with no reopening date announced, Gulf News reports.
Al-Sheeb is the only land crossing into Iraq from Iran authorised for Pakistani pilgrims; until it reopens, pilgrims can enter Iraq through the international airports at Baghdad and Najaf, according to Arab News Pakistan. Pilgrims who planned to travel by road should confirm their route with their group organiser before departure.
Sources
- Arab News Pakistan, Rehmat Mehsud arabnews.pk/pakistan/pakistan-orders-pilgrimage-organizers-to-halt-travel-via-closed-iran-iraq-border-crossing-3005658
- Gulf News, Khitam Al Amir gulfnews.com/world/mena/iraq-closes-border-crossing-with-iran-until-further-notice-1.500718406
This update states what the sources above reported on the date shown. It is general information, not legal advice, and the position can change at short notice. Read how our travel advisories are researched and signed.