In a heartbreaking revelation, reports have surfaced that around 40,000 Pakistani citizens who travelled to Iran, Iraq, and Syria for ziyarat religious pilgrimages have gone missing over the years.
These pilgrims, who sought to connect with their faith at holy places, never returned home, leaving their families in anguish and without answers. This alarming news has sparked widespread concern across Pakistan, pushing the government to take bold steps to ensure such tragedies are never repeated.
Ziyarat is a deeply meaningful journey for many Muslims, particularly those visiting sacred cities like Karbala, Najaf, Mashhad, and Damascus. Each year, thousands of Pakistanis embark on these trips, especially during the holy months of Muharram and Safar, to honour their faith and seek spiritual peace.
But for too long, the lack of proper systems has left pilgrims vulnerable. Poor record-keeping, inadequate oversight, and weak security measures have made it nearly impossible to track travelers. Some may have gotten lost, others may have stayed illegally, and, tragically, some may have fallen victim to human trafficking or other crimes. The uncertainty surrounding these 40,000 missing souls has left families desperate for closure and the nation calling for change.
The Pakistani government has responded with urgency, completely overhauling the ziyarat system to prioritize pilgrim safety. No longer will the process be left to chance. From now on, only registered and licensed tour operators will be allowed to organize pilgrimage trips. This ensures that agencies are accountable and meet strict standards. Pilgrims will also need to provide proper documentation, including valid passports, national ID cards, and emergency contact information. These measures aim to create a clear record of every traveler, reducing the risk of anyone slipping through the cracks.
In a groundbreaking move, the government is introducing a digital tracking system to monitor pilgrims’ journeys from the moment they leave Pakistan until they return home. This technology will act like a digital guardian, keeping tabs on each person’s whereabouts and ensuring they are safe throughout their trip.
It’s a step toward bringing peace of mind to families who, in the past, had no way of knowing what happened to their loved ones. The system is designed to be user-friendly, so even elderly pilgrims or those unfamiliar with technology can travel with confidence.
