Sheikh Jafari criticized the unannounced closure of the border, which has disrupted the journey of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims traveling to the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, via Iran. He described the decision as a violation of religious freedom and ideological expression, adding that such acts erode the trust of the faithful.
“Thousands of believers who annually embark on a peaceful and lawful journey to the shrines of Ahlul Bayt (AS) are now faced with abrupt and opaque restrictions,” he said. “This is not merely an administrative failure, but a denial of a legitimate religious right.”
Security Cannot Justify Suppression of Faith
While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to ensure public safety, Sheikh Jafari stressed that security concerns should not lead to the wholesale denial of religious rights. He urged authorities to adopt a more balanced approach.
“The solution lies not in closing roads and borders, but in implementing a professional, comprehensive security framework. Pakistan has proven its capacity to host large religious gatherings under complex security conditions in the past—why not now?”
Five Key Demands
The statement outlined a clear set of demands to the government and relevant authorities:
- Immediate reopening of land borders with Iran for pilgrims, along with provision of essential facilities.
- Development of a robust security plan instead of blanket restrictions.
- Formal recognition of pilgrimage as a religious, cultural, and human right.
- Investigation and accountability for mismanagement and mistreatment of pilgrims.
- Creation of a permanent coordination mechanism between scholars, religious bodies, government institutions, and pilgrim organizations.
A Call for Unity and Protest
Sheikh Jafari urged scholars, political leaders, human rights organizations, and the public to raise their voices in protest against the restrictions, calling the decision “immature” and “unacceptable.”
“We must send a clear message that curtailing the religious rights of citizens will not be tolerated.”
In closing, he reassured the community of his continued support:
“We stand with the nation, and as always, we will pursue this matter with unity, patience, and determination. The dignity and rights of the pilgrims of Ahlul Bayt (AS) will be defended without compromise.”
