50,000 Pakistani Pilgrims Missing in Iraq

A startling claim has emerged suggesting that approximately 50,000 Pakistani pilgrims who journeyed to Karbala, Iraq, for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage have decided to remain in the holy city. Moreover, Authorities in Pakistan and Iraq are reportedly working together to investigate the matter and ascertain the exact number of individuals involved.

Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain informed the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs that 50,000 Pakistani pilgrims, known as Zaireen, have disappeared in Iraq. Meanwhile, these individuals were visiting for religious purposes.

Key Issues Discussed:

Haj 2024 Arrangements: The committee, chaired by Senator Attaur Rehman, discussed various aspects of the upcoming Haj. The list includes accommodation, food, transport facilities in Saudi Arabia, and monitoring systems for pilgrims.

Border Problems: There are significant delays and a lack of basic facilities at the Taftan border. Moreover, pilgrims also face high costs for food and drink in Iraq, which is often of poor quality.

Group Monitoring: Pakistani Zaireen visiting Iraq, Iran, and Syria are divided into 136 groups for monitoring. Iraqi authorities manage their borders and collect the passports of Pakistani visitors.

New Pilgrim Policy: A new policy for pilgrims to Iraq, Iran, and Syria is awaiting cabinet approval. In addition, the quota for Indian Zaireen visiting Pakistan has remained unchanged since 1974.

Religious Tourism: The committee suggested promoting religious tourism in Pakistan.

Printing of Quran: Additionally, error-free copies of the Quran are being prepared, with drafts shared with provinces for feedback.

Ruet-e-Hilal Committee: This committee, responsible for moon-sighting, operates with limited staff and budget.

Interfaith Harmony: The government is supporting religious festivals of various faiths at the official level.

Private Haj Tour Operators: The number of private Haj operators has been reduced from 902 to 162, each managing a minimum of 500 pilgrims. This will be further reduced to 100 operators with a minimum of 1,000 pilgrims each.

Complaints and Deaths: There have been complaints about similar accommodations and food provided to pilgrims under different packages. Additionally, 81 Pakistani pilgrims died in Saudi Arabia during Haj, including 45 from the regular scheme and 36 from private schemes.

The committee ratified the appointment of Senator Raja Abbas as Chairman of the Zaireen Management Committee. Moreover, Senator Gurdeep Singh proposed that Sikh religious celebrations be officially recognized, similar to other religions.