Pakistan successfully concludes the purging of 585 companies under the recently instituted travel regime for pilgrims between Iraq and Iran.
In a significant move, the Pakistani government has announced a new Ziyarat Management Policy, aiming to address long-standing security and migration concerns flagged by host governments. This policy marks the abolition of the Salar system, a decades-old system for managing pilgrim travel, and introduces a more structured approach through registered groups.
Under the new policy, all companies seeking to organize pilgrimages must now go through the process of registration as Ziyarat Group Organizers (ZGOs). A total of 95 new companies have submitted documents during the most recent extension period, and applications continue to be accepted until September 10. The ministry is currently scrutinizing these applications.
Existing companies have until August 31 to submit their documents for registration. Companies that fail to meet the requirements of the new policy face license cancellation, according to the ministry. Only entities that are registered as ZGOs will be authorized to arrange pilgrimages under the new regime.
The decision to abolish the Salar system was made after officials confirmed around 40,000 Pakistani citizens had overstayed or gone missing in Iran, Iraq, and Syria over the past decade. The new policy is also designed to restore credibility to Pakistan's management of religious tourism.
Operators are now directly responsible for ensuring that all travelers return on time. All journeys to Iraq and Iran for the pilgrimage will now be arranged through registered tour operators and air travel only. Overland travel has been barred for this year's Arbaeen pilgrimage due to militant threats in the Balochistan province.
The religious affairs ministry spokesman stated that registration certificates for pilgrimage companies that complete the required documentation are expected to be issued soon. The ministry has already completed security clearance for 585 companies seeking to organize pilgrimages to holy sites in Iran and Iraq.
The new policy aims to address long-standing security and migration concerns, ensuring a safer and more manageable pilgrimage experience for all involved. The abolition of the Salar system and the introduction of the ZGO registration process are part of Pakistan's commitment to improving the management of religious tourism and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
