Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, firmly denied recent media reports on Saturday that suggested the disappearance of 50,000 Pakistani pilgrims (Zaireen) in Iraq.
Addressing the controversy, Minister Hussain clarified that he made no such statement during a recent Senate committee meeting, labeling the reports as “entirely false and misleading.”
“I categorically refute these baseless claims. It’s imperative that media outlets ensure the accuracy of their reporting to prevent unnecessary panic among the public,” he stated.
The Minister elaborated that Pakistani pilgrims undertake religious journeys, known as Ziarat, to Iraq primarily through private operators. He emphasized that the Ministry is actively working to enhance the facilitation process for these pilgrims, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout their spiritual journey.
Minister Hussain further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Pakistani pilgrims abroad. He urged media organizations to practice responsible journalism and to verify information meticulously before publication.
“Our priority remains the welfare of our citizens, especially during their religious pursuits. Misinformation not only undermines our efforts but also creates unwarranted fear,” he added.
The Ministry for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has encouraged the public to rely on official channels for accurate information and has assured continued efforts to support and protect Pakistani pilgrims internationally.
