Govt to implement new system for Zaireen
Pakistani pilgrims evacuated from Iran walk across the Pakistan-Iran border at Taftan, in Balochistan province on June 18, 2025. Photo: AFP
A special task force, formed to address the issues of pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, on Friday decided that from January 1, 2026, a new system for group organisers will be implemented, and the existing Salar System will be completely discontinued.
From January 1, 2026, only registered Group Organizers will be allowed to arrange pilgrimages, a statement issued after the meeting said.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry also attended the meeting.
The FIA and other relevant agencies have been instructed to take all necessary steps to prevent illegal travel to Iraq under the guise of pilgrimage.
So far, 1,413 applications for the registration of Group Organizers have been received, and the scrutiny process is ongoing.
The Civil Aviation Authority briefed that the number of weekly flights to Iran has been increased from 6 to 15, while 107 special flights have been arranged for Iraq during Arbaeen.