ISLAMABAD – For Pakistanis preparing to visit Iran and Iraq on holy journey, an unexpected flight cancellation could turn long-awaited pilgrimage into stressful ordeal. Amid concerns over possible flight disruptions, Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued an urgent travel advisory.
Ministry of Religious Affairs shared travel advisory, warning that unconfirmed flights, unexpected cancellations and inadequate backup arrangements could leave travellers facing serious difficulties abroad.
With many Pakistanis travelling to holy cities of Mashhad and Najaf, the ministry directed pilgrims and registered Ziarat Group Organizers (ZGOs) to verify all flight arrangements before departure rather than risk being stranded by sudden changes in travel schedules.
The warning particularly concerns pilgrims travelling between Tehran, Mashhad and Najaf, where authorities have stressed the importance of confirming flight schedules in advance and avoiding journeys based on uncertain or unverified bookings.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, pilgrims should not assume that their scheduled flights will operate as planned. Instead, they have been advised to remain prepared for unexpected disruptions and ensure that alternative travel arrangements are available if their original plans fall through.
Flight Cancelled?
Ministry advised Pakistani pilgrims to carry additional funds to cover unforeseen expenses during their journeys. Officials warned that a cancelled flight could force travellers to arrange alternative air or land transportation, potentially resulting in additional costs and extended stays away from their intended destinations.
Pilgrims have therefore been encouraged to keep sufficient emergency funds for replacement tickets, temporary hotel accommodation and other essential expenses that may arise if their travel plans are disrupted.
The advisory makes it clear that travellers should prepare for possible emergencies before leaving Pakistan rather than waiting until a cancellation or other unexpected development leaves them with limited options.
The ministry issued specific instructions to registered Ziarat Group Organizers responsible for arranging religious tours to Iran and Iraq. Organizers have been directed to avoid relying on unconfirmed Iranian flights and ensure that all travel arrangements are properly verified before finalizing pilgrimage packages and itineraries.
The instructions are important for group travellers, whose flights, accommodation and onward journeys are often arranged collectively through tour operators. Any unexpected disruption to these arrangements could affect an entire group, making advance confirmation and contingency planning essential.
Ministry of Religious Affairs made it mandatory for Ziarat Group Organizers to communicate the advisory to every pilgrim travelling under their supervision. Organizers must ensure that group members understand the potential risks associated with uncertain flight schedules, the importance of maintaining emergency funds and the need to prepare alternative travel options.
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