ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf revealed that around 40,000 Pakistani Zaireen have gone missing after traveling to Iran, Iraq, and Syria, with no official records of their whereabouts.
Addressing a press conference, the minister said the government has abolished the traditional “Salar system” and introduced a computerized tracking system to prevent such incidents. Now, only registered travel companies meeting strict conditions will be allowed to organize pilgrimages.
Yousaf stated that Iran, Iraq, and Syria had raised concerns over the missing pilgrims, prompting Pakistan to enforce stricter regulations. Pilgrims will now travel only through certified operators to ensure proper monitoring.
Regarding Hajj, the minister said 63,000 applicants couldn’t go this year due to incomplete payments but assured all fully paid pilgrims—whether in government or private schemes—would perform Hajj. For next year, Pakistan has received 456,000 applications against a quota of 179,210, with allocation to be decided transparently.
When asked if the new system would favor a select few, Yousaf clarified that all existing operators can apply, but only those meeting requirements will be approved. The ministry is drafting new rules for pilgrim safety and logistics.
Also read; Makkah facilitation center addresses over 3,000 Hajj complaints: MORA
