Pakistan introduces new rules for pilgrims traveling to Syria

In this file photo, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane taxies before take-off from Karachi International Airport in Karachi on April 21, 2010. (AFP/ File)

• Among the new rules are special approvals from the Pakistani and Syrian authorities
• Every year, hundreds of Pakistanis travel to Iraq and Syria for pilgrimage

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has issued new rules for pilgrims traveling to Syria, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on Thursday.

Every year, hundreds of Pakistanis visit Syria and Iraq for pilgrimage.

After months of travel suspensions over coronavirus fears, pilgrimage travel resumed in April last year. 

Among the new travel rules are special approvals from the Pakistani and Syrian authorities, including a no objection certificate (NOC).

“Before leaving for Syria, you must obtain a group visa from the Syrian Immigration Authority and obtain a NOC from the Pakistani Embassy in Damascus,” the ministry said in a notification.

دمشق میں قائم پاکستانی سفارتخانے نے ملکِ شام کے زائرین کے لئے نئی ہدایات جاری کر دیں. شام روانگی سے قبل شامی ایمیگریشن اتھارٹی سے گروپ ویزے کا حصول اور دمشق میں موجود پاکستانی ایمبیسی سے NOC لینا لازمی ہے: زیارات ونگ، وزارتِ مذہبی امور و بین المذاہب ہم آہنگی #Syria #زیارات pic.twitter.com/JOMKfumJlD

— Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony (@MORAisbOfficial) January 12, 2022