- Digital Monitoring, Stricter Visa Rules Announced to Streamline Pilgrimage System to Iran and Iraq
Islamabad – Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf presided over a ceremony issuing accreditation certificates to 86 new Ziarat Group Organizers (ZGOs), marking a major expansion of the government’s regulated pilgrimage framework.
“The number of Ziarat Group Organizers registered with the ministry has now reached 260,” announced Minister Yousuf. He stated that a full list of authorized companies is available on the ministry’s website, urging pilgrims to verify credentials before booking travel.
Highlighting a significant policy shift, the minister revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to instruct relevant embassies to “issue visas only to authorized companies.” This move is designed to eliminate unauthorized operators and protect pilgrims from fraud.
Digital Overhaul for Transparency & Oversight
Minister Yousuf outlined a new digital initiative being developed with the National Information Technology Board (NITB) for the “effective monitoring” of registered companies. The system aims to ensure compliance and service quality.
“As per the committee’s vision, great steps have been taken to coordinate the system of pilgrimages to Iran and Iraq,” Yousuf said, commending the efforts of Federal Secretary Dr. Sajid Chauhan and the Pilgrimage Department for the timely launch of the new framework.
Call for Service Excellence
The minister concluded with a directive to all newly registered operators, stressing that they “should ensure the best facilities to Iran/Iraq pilgrims,” reinforcing the government’s focus on pilgrim welfare and a streamlined, transparent religious tourism ecosystem.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
