Islamabad:
The Minister of Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, announced on Tuesday that the Government had established an organized system for 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 groups of pilgrims organized in 2021 to facilitate the trip, but the registration process could not be carried out in the last four years. Now, the system had been put in place.
He explained that there was previously a special system for pilgrims traveling to Iraq, Syria and Iran, and that a ‘salt’ was designated to handle the arrangements. However, with the new system, groups will be recorded to provide a more simplified and efficient experience for pilgrims.
The minister announced that 1,413 applications were received for the registration of pilgrim operators, of which 585 were authorized. After a rigorous short list process, 50 pilgrim groups have completed all stages and will be recorded. Yousuf urged the old applicants from the Pilgrim group to present their documents before July 31, while the new applicants could submit their applications before August 10.
He said that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was currently in Iran to discuss the issue of pilgrims.
