Islamabad:
Minister of Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf announced on Tuesday that the government had set up an organized system for pilgrims visiting Iraq, Syria and Iran, who would have permission through approved pilgrim operators.
When he spoke at a press conference in Islamabad, the minister revealed that the cabinet approved the system with organized pilgrim groups in 2021 to facilitate the journey, but the registration process could not be performed in the last four years. Now the system had been in place.
He explained that there was previously no special system for pilgrims traveling to Iraq, Syria and Iran, and that a ‘salar’ was appointed to handle the events. With the new system, however, groups will be registered to provide a more streamlined and effective experience for pilgrims.
The Minister announced that 1,413 applications were received for registration of the pilgrim operators, of whom 585 were cleared. After a strict shortlisting process, 50 pilgrim groups have completed all phases 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 Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was currently in Iran to discuss the question of pilgrims.
