Good news for Pakistanis visiting Iraq for Arbaeen pilgrimage

Following many meetings to discuss measures to ease travel restrictions and facilitate religious pilgrimages, Pakistan and Iraq on Wednesday unveiled a number of initiatives targeted at helping pilgrims visiting Iraq for Arbaeen.

The historic agreements were made on Wednesday after a high-level meeting between Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who pledged to facilitate and ease the path for thousands of devotees.

Both parties agreed that Pakistani pilgrims would no longer have to turn in their passports when they arrived in Iraq for Arbaeen, the Islamic celebration that takes place 40 days after Imam Hussain’s (RA) death on the 10th of Muharram, also known as Chehlum.

The meeting decided that the Pakistani pilgrims would be issued visas by the Iraqi Embassy, bypassing travel agents and the quota for Pakistan pilgrims would be increased.

It was also resolved to launch a crackdown on agents who overcharge pilgrims and to provide special flights from Pakistan for Pakistani pilgrims. A new consulate will be open in Karachi.

Along with the decision to abolish the visa charge for regular pilgrims, the meeting also voted to sign an agreement on diplomatic and official passports.

The decisions were made with the intention of giving Pakistani pilgrims the same amenities and guaranteeing a hassle-free journey.

Naqvi expressed gratitude to his Iraqi counterparts for their assistance, and Ambassador Lafta invited him to come to Iraq.

Following up quickly, Naqvi obtained permission from Federal Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif to permit Iraqi carriers to conduct special flights; Pakistan International carriers (PIA) is also scheduled to make an announcement.

Additionally, Pakistan and Iraq are working on a deal that will make it easier for Pakistani workers to obtain work permits in Iraq.