PM forms panel to address security concerns of pilgrims returning from Iran, Iraq

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee to address the security concerns of pilgrims returning from Iran and Iraq.

The Cabinet Division has issued a notification for the setting up of the committee. The chairman of the committee will be the secretary of Ministry of Religious Affairs and co-chairman will be the secretary of Ministry of Interior.

Other members include secretary, Ministry of Port and Shipping, and all the provincial chief secretaries. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will provide the secretariat support to the committee and submit its report to the prime minister.

The panel was formed at the request of pilgrims visiting Iraq and Iran who cited security concerns over the situation in Balochistan.

The prime minister has directed work on policy to ensure the safe return of pilgrims from these holy places via sea given the threats on the land route from Balochistan.