ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Ministry of Religious Affairs has asked Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq via Iran by land, to avoid traveling to Iraq after Al-Shib border between Iran and Iraq has been closed.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has instructed Pakistani pilgrims and Ziarat Group Organizers not to send pilgrims to Iraq through this route as the Al-Shib border has been closed since 21 October, 2026.
According to the Ministry, Al-Shib border is the only authorized land route for pilgrims to go from Iran to Iraq, where the movement of passengers, vehicles, and commercial traffic has been suspended until further notice.
Travel to Iraq by air
“Entry into Iraq through any alternative land route is not allowed without prior permission from Iraqi authorities. Currently, Pakistani pilgrims can travel to Iraq through Baghdad and Najaf international airports.”
The Ministry has directed Ziarat Group Organizers (ZGOs) to immediately inform their pilgrims about the new travel situation, while pilgrims have been instructed to confirm the latest travel arrangements with their respective organizers before departure, to avoid difficulties and inconvenience during the journey.
