In a move to make religious travel smoother and safer, the Pakistani government has announced a major revamp in how pilgrims will travel to Iran and Iraq — especially during the sacred months of Muharram and Arbaeen.
From January 1, 2026, the traditional “Salar” system will be replaced by a more structured and officially monitored Registered Group Organizer System. This change is aimed at improving coordination, safety, and overall support for pilgrims. Now, only approved group organizers will be allowed to arrange pilgrim trips, and anyone operating without registration will face strict penalties.
To accommodate the huge number of travelers expected during Arbaeen, the government has planned 107 special flights to Iraq. Meanwhile, weekly flights to Iran have been increased from 6 to 15, making it easier for more people to travel without delays or bottlenecks.
The government is also exploring the possibility of launching a ferry service, giving pilgrims another travel option apart from air and land routes. So far, more than 1,400 applications have been received from organizers hoping to register under the new system.
Officials are also keeping a close eye on illegal travel operations, warning of tough action against any unregistered or fraudulent operators. This is part of a broader push to protect pilgrims from scams and mismanagement that have affected many in the past.
After the Ashura period, authorities plan to review land route arrangements to further improve the experience for travelers.
These steps reflect a wider initiative to modernize and streamline religious tourism in Pakistan, ensuring that pilgrims can focus on their spiritual journey without worrying about safety or logistics.
