The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued certificates to 24 newly registered pilgrimage group organizers, authorizing them to facilitate travel for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf emphasized that these certified companies must ensure high standards in travel, accommodation, food, and other essential services for pilgrims.
Speaking at a ceremony at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Minister congratulated the representatives of the newly registered companies and stressed the government’s commitment to implementing a new pilgrimage policy. He stated that the government plans to phase out the existing “Salar System” entirely, after which only registered organizers will be authorized to arrange travel for pilgrims to Iran, Iraq, and Syria. This new system aims to provide safer, more transparent, and better-organized services for those undertaking religious journeys.
According to the Ministry, so far 1,413 applications have been received for registration, with 585 companies having cleared security requirements. In the first phase, 24 companies have completed all necessary documentation and received their registration certificates. Remaining companies will receive certificates once they fulfill all required formalities.
Senior ministry officials, including Additional Secretary Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan and Joint Secretaries Ahmed Nadeem Khan, Sahibzada, Muhammad Bakhsh Sangi, Deputy Secretary Nasir Aziz Khan, and others, attended the ceremony. The move reflects a significant step by the government to regulate and improve the quality of religious pilgrimage services for Pakistani citizens.
