On Friday, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf strongly refuted claims that thousands of Pakistani pilgrims are missing abroad, clarifying that such statements stem from a misunderstanding of data.
Speaking to the media, the minister explained that the confusion arose from outdated paperwork. “It was never stated that thousands of Pakistanis are missing. Records for around 40,000 pilgrims were previously maintained in paper form and have not yet been fully transferred to the central digital registry,” Sardar Yousuf clarified.
To enhance the safety and convenience of Pakistani pilgrims, especially those traveling to Iran, Iraq, and Syria, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced a modern online registration system, the minister announced. This system is designed to improve the documentation and tracking of pilgrims.
“Under the new system, every pilgrim and group organizer will be issued a QR code for easy identification and coordination,” he said.
Furthermore, the government will now share complete lists of pilgrims with authorities in Iran, Iraq, and Syria prior to their travel. “This proactive step will eliminate the possibility of any misunderstanding or propaganda regarding the movement of Pakistani pilgrims,” the minister stated.
Sardar Yousuf also urged all tour operators and individuals planning religious visits to register their details on the official portal by August 31, 2025. “This deadline must be met to ensure proper arrangements and avoid any logistical errors,” he emphasized.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of pilgrims through digital transformation and improved coordination with foreign governments.
