Islamabad, July 5, 2025: The government on Friday announced major steps to assist pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq, including the introduction of a new travel system starting from January 1, 2026, along with an increase in flights for upcoming religious events.
These decisions were finalised during a session of the Special Task Force on Zaireen, chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Ministry of Interior.
According to the newly introduced measures, the old Salar System will be discontinued and replaced by a Zaireen Group Organisers framework. Starting in 2026, only pilgrims travelling through officially registered organisers will be permitted.
The FIA and other relevant departments have been instructed to block unauthorised individuals from entering Iraq under the disguise of pilgrimage.
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Officials informed the task force that 1,413 applications have been submitted so far for registration as Zaireen Group Organisers, and the verification process is currently in progress.
The Civil Aviation Authority informed the participants that the number of weekly flights to Iran has already been raised from six to 15. Moreover, 107 special flights are being organised for Arbaeen pilgrims heading to Iraq.
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Further enhancements in the number of flights for pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq are also under review. Plans for initiating a ferry service are also underway to improve travel facilities for pilgrims in the future.
It was decided that the security situation will be reviewed after Ashura before any final decision regarding the revival of land routes to Iran and Iraq.
