Naeem Faisal Baiga
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf on Tuesday presided over a ceremony for the issuance of accreditation certificates to 86 newly registered Ziarat Group Organizers (ZGOs), marking a significant expansion of the government’s regulated pilgrimage system.
Addressing the ceremony, the minister announced that the total number of Ziarat Group Organizers registered with the Ministry of Religious Affairs has now reached 260. He said that the complete list of authorized companies has been uploaded on the ministry’s official website and urged pilgrims to verify registration status before making travel arrangements.
Minister Yousuf revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to instruct all relevant embassies to issue visas exclusively to authorized Ziarat companies, a move aimed at eliminating illegal operators and protecting pilgrims from fraud and exploitation.
He also announced the introduction of a digital monitoring system, being developed in collaboration with the National Information Technology Board (NITB), to ensure effective oversight, transparency, and compliance of registered companies.
“As envisioned by the committee, significant steps have been taken to better coordinate the pilgrimage system for Iran and Iraq,” the minister said, appreciating the role of Federal Secretary Dr. Sajid Chauhan and the Pilgrimage Department for the timely implementation of reforms.
The minister emphasized that all registered operators must ensure the best possible facilities and services for pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, reiterating the government’s commitment to pilgrim welfare and a transparent, streamlined religious tourism framework.
On the occasion, Minister Yousuf also presented a landmark accreditation certificate to a leading tour operator, Mr. Mubasher Crown, acknowledging his compliance with the new regulatory standards.
