Govt regulates Zaireen travel to Iraq, Syria, Iran

Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf announced on Tuesday that the government had established an organised system for the pilgrims visiting Iraq, Syria, and Iran, who would be allowed through approved pilgrim operators.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the minister revealed that the cabinet approved the system of organised pilgrim groups in 2021 to facilitate the travel but the process of registration could not be done in the last four years. Now, the system had been put in place.

He explained that previously, there was no special system for the pilgrims traveling to Iraq, Syria, and Iran, and that a 'Salar' was appointed to handle the arrangements. However, with the new system, groups will be registered to provide a more streamlined and efficient experience for pilgrims.

The minister announced that 1,413 applications were received for registration of the pilgrim operators, out of which 585 were cleared. After a rigorous shortlisting process, 50 pilgrim groups have completed all the stages and will be registered. Yousuf urged old pilgrim group applicants to submit their documents by July 31, while the new applicants could submit their applications by August 10.

He said that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was currently in Iran to discuss the issue of pilgrims.