During a Senate committee meeting chaired by Senator Attaur Rehman, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain disclosed that nearly 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq during pilgrimage.
Hussain highlighted that while the Iraqi government issues free visas for pilgrims, tour operators charge between $80-90 for their services.
The committee extensively discussed monitoring mechanisms and challenges faced by pilgrims, particularly at the Taftan border, emphasizing issues such as prolonged waits, inadequate facilities, and high costs. It concluded by deciding to collaborate with provincial governments to enhance conditions and develop a comprehensive policy for better management of pilgrimages.
The Additional Secretary of Religious Affairs informed the committee about a new policy awaiting cabinet approval, covering pilgrimages to Iraq, Iran, and Syria. Currently, pilgrims are monitored in groups at Taftan, with 136 groups sent for pilgrimage.
Senator Raja Nisar Abbas raised concerns about extended waiting times and substandard facilities, including expensive and poor-quality food and drinks. Hussain suggested involving provincial governments to effectively address these issues.
Committee Chairman Senator Attaur Rehman agreed to convene a meeting with provincial governments and chief secretaries to formulate a detailed report. Secretary of Religious Affairs Zulfiqar Haider proposed establishing a directorate for pilgrims to Iraq and Iran, similar to the Hajj Directorate.
The committee also discussed the Pakistan House project, resolving to conduct a comprehensive review involving relevant institutions and chief secretaries to address pilgrim concerns effectively. It noted that the pilgrim quota for travel to and from India has remained unchanged since 1974, ranging from 200 to 500.
Senator Bushra Anjum Butt emphasized that any new pilgrim policy must prioritize the safety and comfort of women and children. The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs assured that steps are being taken to curb illegal travel to other countries.
Furthermore, the committee reviewed efforts to produce error-free copies of the Quran and discussed plans to promote interfaith harmony, which have been forwarded to the cabinet. Senator Gurdeep Singh proposed officially recognizing Sikh religious celebrations at the state level.
Lastly, the committee addressed issues related to Hajj 2024, noting improvements under the government scheme and compiling complaints against private tour operators for review.