ISLAMABAD, JUL 4 /DNA/ – On the directions of the Prime Minister, a key meeting of the Special Task Force established to resolve the issues of pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq was held at the Ministry of Interior. Chairperson of the Task Force and Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry attended the meeting.
During the meeting, important decisions were made regarding the facilitation and security of pilgrims. Civil Aviation briefed the meeting that the number of weekly flights to Iran has been increased from 6 to 15, while for Arbaeen, 107 special flights to Iraq have been arranged. It was further informed that further increase in the number of flights for Zaireen traveling to Iran and Iraq is under also consideration. Moreover, a ferry service is also being launched to provide better travel facilities to pilgrims in the future.
It was agreed that after Ashura, the security situation will be be assessed again and the decision regarding land travel for pilgrims will be made accordingly. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that, in light of the current situation, protecting Zaireen from any kind of trouble or difficulty is the top priority. “The safety of pilgrims is most dear to us,” he stated.
During the meeting, it was also decided that from January 1, 2025, a new system of Zaireen Group Organizers will be implemented, and the Salar System will be completely abolished. From January 1, 2026, pilgrims will only be allowed to travel under the system of Zaireen Group Organizers.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed FIA and relevant institutions to ensure all possible measures to stop illegal individuals from entering Iraq under the guise of pilgrimage. It was further apprised that so far, 1,413 applications have been received for the registration of Zaireen Group Organizers, and the scrutiny process of these applications is currently underway.
The meeting was also attended by the Secretary Interior, Secretary Religious Affairs, and representatives from the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. DG FIA, DG Civil Aviation Authority, Additional Chief Secretary Balochistan, IG Balochistan, Commissioner Quetta, and officers from other relevant departments also participated in the meeting via Zoom.
