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In a move that has shocked both officials and the public, recent revelations indicate that nearly 40,000 Pakistani pilgrims who traveled to religious sites in Iraq, Iran, and Syria have gone missing, with no official trace or documentation available. The alarming figure, which came to light through Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, has raised serious concerns over the current system governing religious pilgrimages (ziyarat) and prompted sweeping reforms.
For decades, the traditional ‘Salar System’, an informal group-based arrangement for guiding and transporting pilgrims, was used by communities across Pakistan. Under this model, self-appointed leaders, known as “salar,” would organize the trips, handle logistics, and shepherd groups through various stages of travel. However, the absence of official registration, accountability, and a digital trail has now been deemed one of the primary causes behind the inability to trace thousands of pilgrims.
The issue gained momentum when governments of Iran, Iraq, and Syria formally approached Pakistani authorities, reporting untraceable individuals entering their countries without clear documentation or exiting records. The countries expressed security and humanitarian concerns, especially given the volatile political climates in parts of Syria and Iraq, where militant activities and kidnappings remain a threat.
The alarming discrepancy between the number of people who traveled and those who officially returned forced Pakistan to rethink its entire pilgrimage framework. The fallout not only reflects poorly on administration but also exposes thousands of families to uncertainty and potential exploitation by unregulated operators.
In response, the Pakistani government has completely dismantled the old Salar System, replacing it with a structured, digital, and government-monitored Ziyarat Group Organizers (ZGO) system. The new model emphasizes security, transparency, and centralized oversight.
Under the ZGO system, only certified, government-approved organizers will be allowed to manage pilgrimage groups. These organizers must meet a series of conditions to be licensed, including financial accountability, digital registration of each pilgrim, route planning, and safety guarantees. ZGO licenses are now mandatory for any individual or company wishing to arrange religious pilgrimages abroad.
So far, over 1,400 applications have been submitted for ZGO licenses, reflecting a growing acceptance of the new model. The deadline for registration has been set for August 10, 2025, after which no unregistered entity will be allowed to send pilgrims.
From January 1, 2026, the system will come into full effect. All pilgrims traveling to Iraq, Iran, or Syria for ziyarat will be required to go through an approved ZGO. This shift aims to not only streamline the experience for pilgrims but also ensure their safety and traceability abroad.
To support the reformed pilgrimage process, the government has also increased weekly flights to Iran from 6 to 15. During peak religious seasons such as Arbaeen, Pakistan International Airlines and chartered services will operate over 100 special flights to accommodate pilgrims.
Furthermore, a maritime ferry service is under consideration, which would allow pilgrims to travel to Iran and Iraq via the sea—a potentially more economical and safer alternative for large groups.
These enhancements aim to improve the travel experience, reduce congestion at airports, and provide reliable, government-supervised transportation options to sacred destinations.
At the heart of the reforms lies a deeply humanitarian concern: to protect the lives and dignity of pilgrims. Many of the missing individuals include the elderly, women, and those with limited financial means—making them vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation, and abandonment. Some are believed to have stayed illegally in these countries to work, while others might have fallen victim to criminal networks.
By mandating digital records, contact traceability, and real-time reporting through the new ZGO structure, the government hopes to drastically reduce the risks associated with unsupervised religious travel.
While the reforms are widely seen as necessary, challenges remain. Small-scale organizers and traditional salar groups have raised concerns over the cost and complexity of registration. There are also worries that smaller communities—especially in rural areas—may struggle to adapt to the more bureaucratic structure.
The government has indicated that it will provide technical assistance and regional awareness sessions to help smooth the transition and ensure no community is left behind in the new system.
The disappearance of tens of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims across Iraq, Iran, and Syria is a national tragedy—and a wake-up call. By replacing the outdated and risky Salar System with a robust ZGO framework, the Pakistani government is taking a much-needed step toward ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of its citizens as they undertake sacred journeys. The success of this new system will depend on swift implementation, transparent oversight, and strong community engagement.
Reference: عراق،ایران،شام میں ہزاروں زائرین غائب،زیارات کا پرانا نظام ختم،نیا متعارف
