Islamabad:
A special working group, formed to address the problems of pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, on Friday decided that as of January 1, 2026, a new system will be implemented for group organizers, and the existing salt system will be completely suspended.
As of January 1, 2026, only registered group organizers will be able to organize pilgrimages, said a statement after the meeting.
The meeting was held under the presidency of the Minister of Interior, Mohsin Naqvi. Federal Minister of Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Federal Minister of Pakistanis abroad Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Minister of State of Interior Talal Chaudhry also attended the meeting.
FIA and other relevant agencies have received instructions to take all necessary measures to avoid illegal trips to Iraq under the appearance of pilgrimage.
Until now, 1,413 applications have been received for the registration of the group organizers, and the scrutiny process is ongoing.
The Civil Aviation Authority reported that the number of weekly flights to Iran has increased from 6 to 15, while 107 special flights have been organized for Iraq during Arbaeen.
