ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to introduce a new system for organizing pilgrimages to Iran and Iraq, starting from January 1, 2026. Under the new rules, only registered Group Organizers will be allowed to manage travel arrangements for pilgrims. The current Salar System will be completely abolished.
This decision was made during a special task force meeting held in Islamabad on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and attended by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry.
A statement issued after the meeting said that 1,413 applications have been received so far for registration as Group Organizers, and scrutiny is underway.
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To prevent illegal travel under the cover of pilgrimage, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other relevant departments have been instructed to take strict action and enforce the new policy.
The Civil Aviation Authority informed the task force that the number of weekly flights to Iran has been increased from 6 to 15. Additionally, 107 special flights have been scheduled for pilgrims traveling to Iraq during Arbaeen.
