Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced Tuesday said 455,000 applicants have registered so far, while Pakistan’s quota stands at 179,000 pilgrims.
Based on population, Pakistan has requested Saudi Arabia to increase the quota to 230,000.
The government is set to streamline pilgrimage visits to Iran, Iraq, and Syria, similar to the organized Hajj operations.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced that the cabinet has approved the Zaireen Group Organization System to regulate pilgrim travel to these countries.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the minister said around 1,500 applications were received from operators, of which 585 have been approved and 340 shortlisted. Out of these, 50 operators have completed further formalities.
Sardar Yousaf urged existing Zaireen groups to submit their documentation by July 31, while new applicants can apply until August 10.
He said that previously, no formal system was in place for pilgrims traveling to Iraq, Iran, and Syria, and individuals would appoint their own group leaders to manage visas and travel.
Sardar Yousaf added that now, like Hajj tour operators, Zaireen will also travel in organized groups under the newly approved system, which will be implemented soon.
