ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued fresh guidelines for Pakistani pilgrims planning to travel to Iran and Iraq, urging them to make travel arrangements only through officially registered Ziyarat Group Organizers (ZGOs).
The directive was issued during a review meeting on the implementation of the Ziyarat Management Policy, attended by representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Communications, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and other relevant departments.
During the meeting, participants reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating pilgrims and directed the CAA and airlines to ensure maximum convenience for those travelling to Iran and Iraq.
Officials informed the meeting that, under the new Ziyarat policy, 262 Ziyarat Group Organizers have been registered by the Ministry. Pilgrims were advised to book their travel exclusively through these licensed operators.
A ministry spokesperson urged intending pilgrims to verify the list of authorized Ziyarat Group Organizers available on the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ official website. The spokesperson warned that the ministry would not be responsible for any bookings made through unauthorized individuals or companies.
Separately, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar said discussions had been held with the ambassadors of Iran, Iraq, and Yemen, requesting them to encourage ferry operators in their respective countries to coordinate with Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
He expressed optimism that Pakistan’s first international ferry service could be launched in the near future and added that administrative reforms within the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) would continue, with priority being given to performance and efficiency.
