In a concerning revelation, Pakistani immigration authorities have disclosed that a significant number of pilgrims who travel to Iran, Iraq, and Syria for religious purposes often fail to return home—and many end up involved in illegal activities, including street begging in foreign countries, particularly Iraq. This disturbing trend has raised alarms not only within Pakistan but also among host countries, prompting swift action from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and immigration officials.
A Decade of Disappearances
Over the past ten years, as many as 40,000 Pakistani pilgrims have reportedly gone missing or overstayed their visas during or after visiting sacred religious sites in Iran, Iraq, and Syria, according to sources within Pakistan’s immigration and border control departments. The phenomenon initially surfaced through data shared by the host governments, particularly Iraq, which raised questions over the whereabouts and activities of these individuals who entered their country on religious visas but never departed.
The majority of these pilgrims, according to officials, enter Iraq legally through religious tour packages or organized caravans, mainly during the holy events of Arbaeen, Ashura, and other Shia commemorations. However, after arriving, many disappear from the radar—some intentionally choosing not to return due to financial, personal, or ideological reasons, while others may fall victim to exploitation or trafficking.
Begging and Exploitation Abroad
What makes this issue more alarming is that many of the missing pilgrims, including women and children, have been found begging in the streets of Najaf, Karbala, and Baghdad. Iraqi authorities have reportedly detained multiple individuals who were overstaying or involved in public nuisance, often with no clear source of income or valid identification.
There are even unverified claims that organized begging rings may be using religious travel as a cover to bring people into Iraq for exploitation. These groups sometimes convince individuals or families from impoverished areas of Pakistan to join the pilgrimage, only to later involve them in begging, servitude, or other illegal activities.
The Failure of Traditional Oversight
For decades, Pakistani pilgrims relied on a loosely organized system known as “Salar” (group leader) to travel for ziyarat (religious pilgrimage). These Salars were unofficial organizers who coordinated travel, lodging, and movement between religious sites. However, the system lacked formal oversight, registration, or accountability. When pilgrims went missing, it was often difficult to trace them or hold anyone responsible.
This lack of structure allowed for major loopholes, including visa overstay, illegal employment abroad, and involvement in unsanctioned activities. Moreover, many of these Salars operated independently, often bypassing any form of government regulation or monitoring.
Government Response and Reforms
In response to mounting pressure from both domestic and international bodies, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan has begun overhauling the pilgrim management system. A new digital framework has been introduced under the title of Ziyarat Group Organizers (ZGOs), which replaces the traditional Salar model with a computerized, centralized system.
Under the new rules, only registered and licensed operators will be allowed to arrange religious pilgrimages. These ZGOs will be responsible for ensuring that every individual in their group is accounted for upon return. In addition, biometric verification, online tracking, and reporting mechanisms have been introduced to prevent future disappearances.
According to government sources, this system is already being implemented for upcoming pilgrimages, and penalties will be applied to operators who fail to bring their full group back.
Broader Implications
The issue has diplomatic as well as social implications. Iraq, Iran, and Syria have all expressed concern over the use of religious travel as a channel for illegal migration or organized begging. This has the potential to hurt Pakistan’s image abroad and damage bilateral ties, particularly with Iraq, which has historically welcomed millions of Shia pilgrims from South Asia.
On the domestic front, the disappearance of these pilgrims raises questions about poverty, unemployment, and lack of awareness among Pakistanis who may see religious travel as a means to escape economic hardship.
Conclusion
The revelation that thousands of Pakistani pilgrims are disappearing in foreign countries—and that many are found begging on the streets of Iraq—reflects a crisis that goes beyond visa violations. It touches on issues of governance, poverty, human trafficking, and international responsibility.
While the new ZGO system is a step in the right direction, it will require strict enforcement, transparency, and cooperation from host nations to truly resolve the issue. For the thousands still unaccounted for, it remains a humanitarian concern that demands immediate and comprehensive attention.
