Pakistan minister clarifies ‘40,000 missing pilgrims’ claim, says records being digitized

Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs has denied reports suggesting that 40,000 Pakistani pilgrims have gone missing abroad, clarifying that the figure was misinterpreted and actually refers to old records yet to be digitized -- not to actual disappearances.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said his earlier remarks were taken out of context, leading to unnecessary speculation.

Earlier this week, the minister had sparked alarm by saying that some 40,000 Pakistani pilgrims who traveled to Iran, Iraq, and Syria had either not returned or had no traceable records with the authorities. The statement drew public concern and triggered a wave of misleading reports.

Clarifying the situation, Yousaf explained that the number cited pertains to historical records from a time when data collection was entirely paper-based.

“The mention of 40,000 pilgrims was never meant to imply that thousands of Pakistanis have gone missing overseas,” he said. “The real issue is that many older files have not yet been integrated into our central digital registry.”

To address this gap, the ministry has introduced a new computerized system aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and pilgrim safety. Under the revamped process, only registered tour operators that meet official criteria will be authorized to organize pilgrimage trips. These companies will be issued official certificates by the ministry.

Digital tracking system introduced for pilgrim safety

A key feature of the new system is the issuance of e-cards with embedded QR codes to each pilgrim and their group organizer. These digital IDs allow both Pakistani authorities and host countries to access real-time data about each traveler -- a move the minister says will eliminate confusion at border crossings and enable swift action in case of emergencies.

“This digital initiative ensures that families and officials can track every registered pilgrim,” Yousaf noted. “It also prevents the kind of misinformation that often arises from undocumented travel.”

He added that lists of pilgrims will now be shared in advance with governments of countries such as Iran, Iraq, and Syria -- destinations with significant religious tourism from Pakistan.

The minister urged all tour operators and pilgrims to register their details through the ministry’s official portal by August 31, 2025, warning that failure to comply may lead to exclusion from the official database.

“Our aim is to make every citizen’s journey more secure and better documented,” he said. “We also call on the media and the public to refrain from spreading baseless speculation.”

Yousaf reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting Pakistani citizens abroad and called for public support in making the digital shift a success.