Iraq has increased the quota for Pakistani pilgrims and announced that passports will no longer need to be surrendered.
After several meetings aimed at easing travel restrictions for religious pilgrims, Pakistan and Iraq announced a series of measures on Wednesday to facilitate pilgrims traveling to Iraq for Arbaeen.
These landmark decisions were made during a high-level meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta, who both pledged to make the journey smoother and more accessible for thousands of devotees.
The two sides agreed that Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq for Arbaeen—observed 40 days after the death of Imam Hussain (RA) on the 10th of Muharram, also known as Chehlum—will no longer need to surrender their passports upon arrival.
The meeting also determined that the Iraqi Embassy will issue visas directly to Pakistani pilgrims, eliminating the need for travel agents, and that the quota for pilgrims from Pakistan would be increased.
Additionally, special flights will operate from Pakistan for these pilgrims, a new consulate will be established in Karachi, and both countries will work to crack down on agents charging excessive fees.
The discussions also included plans to sign a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passports, with a request for a visa fee waiver for ordinary pilgrims.
These decisions are intended to provide equal facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Iraqi officials for their cooperation, while Ambassador Lafta extended an invitation to visit Iraq.
In a prompt follow-up, Naqvi obtained approval from Federal Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif for Iraqi airlines to operate special flights, with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) also expected to announce its schedule soon.
This development marks a significant improvement in travel arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims, promising a more convenient journey to Iraq.
Prior to these agreements, both nations discussed options to make travel easier and more affordable for Pakistani Muslims wishing to undertake religious pilgrimages during a previous meeting involving Naqvi, the Iraqi envoy, and Minister of Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain last month.
The high-level engagement focused on introducing free entry visas for Pakistani pilgrims and increasing the quota.
During the meeting, Islamabad raised serious concerns about travel agents charging excessive fees and committed to taking action against those violating the law.
Additionally, Pakistan and Iraq are working on a deal to facilitate Pakistani workers in obtaining work permits in Iraq.
