The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs has awarded certificates to 24 authorized Ziyarat Group Organizers (ZGOs), allowing them to arrange pilgrimages to Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The initiative is part of a broader government policy aimed at improving the travel experience for religious pilgrims, ensuring safer journeys and better facilities.
At a ceremony held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf addressed representatives of the newly registered ZGOs. He emphasized that these organizations must guarantee quality services related to travel, accommodation, meals, and other facilities for all pilgrims. The minister congratulated the companies on receiving their certification and underlined the government’s commitment to implementing the new Ziyarat policy designed to bring greater transparency and efficiency to pilgrimage arrangements.
As part of the reforms, the traditional “Salar” system, which previously managed group pilgrimages, will be phased out. Only those pilgrims traveling with officially registered ZGOs will be allowed to visit Iran, Iraq, and Syria, ensuring standardized services and improved safety measures.
The ministry has received 1,413 applications for registration from companies interested in organizing pilgrimages. Of these, 585 companies have already obtained security clearance. In the first phase, 24 companies have met all requirements and been granted registration certificates, while the remaining applicants will be issued certificates once they complete the necessary documentation.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, including Additional Secretary Dr. Sajid Mehmood Chauhan, Joint Secretary for Ziyarat Ahmed Nadeem Khan, Joint Secretary for Administration Sahibzada, Joint Secretary for Development Muhammad Bakhsh Sangi, Deputy Secretary Nasir Aziz Khan, and other officers. The new accreditation system is expected to enhance the overall management and safety of religious pilgrimages for Pakistani citizens.
