Islamabad: Federal Minister for Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, chaired a meeting of the Special Task Force dedicated to resolving issues faced by pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq. The meeting, held in Islamabad, focused on enhancing facilities, security, and regulation for Pakistani pilgrims.
During the briefing, officials informed the Minister that the number of weekly flights to Iran has been significantly increased from 6 to 15, aiming to facilitate smoother travel. For the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage, 107 special flights have been arranged to Iraq, demonstrating a concerted effort to accommodate the large number of pilgrims. The task force also discussed the future introduction of a ferry service to further enhance travel options for pilgrims.
Minister Naqvi emphasized that the government’s paramount priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims, protecting them from any difficulties or troubles during their sacred journeys. He issued directives to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other relevant agencies to implement all possible measures to prevent individuals from traveling to Iraq illegally under the guise of pilgrimage. This includes stricter checks and scrutiny to curb unauthorized travel.
A significant decision announced during the meeting is that from January 1, 2026, pilgrims will only be permitted to undertake pilgrimages to Iran and Iraq through the “Group Organizers System.” This move will replace the current “Salar” system, aiming to bring greater regulation and accountability to pilgrim travel. It was informed that 1,413 applications for registration under the new group organizer system have already been received and are currently undergoing verification and scrutiny.
The meeting also reviewed security protocols, with a decision to reassess ground travel arrangements for Arbaeen after Ashura, ensuring updated security measures are in place. This underscores the government’s commitment to adapting to the prevailing security situation in the region.
