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By Tanveer Ahmed :
Only government-approved organisers will be allowed to arrange ziyarat travel under new policy
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has launched a new online registration system for pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq for ziyarat, making it compulsory for all travel arrangements to be made through government-approved organisers.
The new platform, known as the Zaireen Group Organizers Registration System, is part of the Ziyarat Policy 2026, which aims to improve the regulation, transparency and safety of pilgrimage travel.
Under the policy, only registered Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs) will be authorised to manage bookings for pilgrims. Individuals or companies that are not officially registered with the ministry will no longer be permitted to offer ziyarat travel services.
262 organisers approved
The ministry said it has approved 262 Zaireen Group Organizers to facilitate travel for Pakistani pilgrims visiting holy sites in Iran and Iraq.
A complete list of the authorised organisers has been published on the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ official website, allowing pilgrims to verify and select a registered travel organiser before making any bookings.
Officials said the online system is intended to simplify the registration process while ensuring that pilgrims receive services from licensed operators.
Pilgrims urged to avoid unauthorised agents
The ministry has advised citizens to book their pilgrimage only through approved organisers and warned against dealing with unauthorised individuals or unregistered travel companies.
Officials said the government would not be responsible for financial losses, fraud or other disputes arising from bookings made outside the approved registration system.
The warning comes amid repeated concerns over illegal travel operators who have allegedly exploited pilgrims through fake packages, overcharging or failure to provide promised services.
Improving safety and transparency
According to the ministry, the new registration system is designed to strengthen oversight of the ziyarat travel sector and improve the overall experience for pilgrims.
By requiring all bookings to pass through licensed organisers, authorities aim to ensure better coordination, greater accountability and improved travel arrangements for those visiting religious sites in Iran and Iraq.
The initiative is also expected to help curb illegal operators and promote a more transparent pilgrimage management system.
Part of broader reforms
The introduction of the online registration system forms part of the government’s wider efforts to modernise religious travel services through digital platforms.
In recent years, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has expanded the use of online systems for Hajj and Umrah-related services, aiming to improve efficiency, enhance transparency and provide better support for Pakistani pilgrims travelling abroad.
Officials say the new Ziyarat Policy 2026 represents another step towards creating a safer and more organised framework for religious travel while protecting pilgrims from fraud and unauthorised operators.
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