The federal government has approved direct flights from Quetta to assist pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif announced in the National Assembly.
During the session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the house unanimously passed two resolutions marking Youm-e-Istehsal, denouncing the atrocities in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Defence Minister Asif, highlighted the security risks faced by pilgrims traveling along the 800-kilometer overland route from Quetta, citing threats of terrorist attacks in Balochistan. To mitigate these risks, the federal government has authorized direct flights from Quetta for Arbaeen pilgrims, with one flight already operational and additional daily flights planned based on demand. Licensed private airlines have been invited to operate the route, and chartered flights have also been permitted to enhance capacity.
Following discussions during the Iranian president’s recent visit, Iran has approved an additional flight for Pakistani pilgrims. The government aims to ensure safe, comfortable, and timely transportation for all Arbaeen pilgrims, highlighted the minister.
Additionally, the house passed two resolutions condemning India’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, marking the sixth anniversary of the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A. The resolutions were moved by Pakistan Peoples Party’s Shazia Marri and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s Amir Muqam.
