Iraq takes important decision for stranded Pakistani pilgrims
The Iraqi government has allowed nearly 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims stranded on the border with Iran. The development comes after Pakistani Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan held a telephone conversation with his Iraqi counterpart and informed him of the plight of stranded Pakistani pilgrims.
In a statement, the Interior Ministry said issues related to visa delays, visa increases, and other issues were discussed by both sides. Iraqi Interior Minister Othman Ali Farhood assured Pakistan that they will open all entry points for Pakistani visitors as Pakistan’s security chief requested special visas for pilgrims visiting Baghdad for Arba’ein, a religious celebration Shiite which takes place 40 days after Ashura.
Iraq takes important decision for stranded Pakistani pilgrims
Additionally, Iraq has announced a special visa system for Pakistani pilgrims headed to the Middle Eastern state for chehlum. Both sides agreed to form a joint Pakistan-Iraq committee to resolve pilgrim issues and take steps to promote peaceful relations between the two sides.
The PML-N leader expressed his gratitude to his counterpart for accepting the requests and helping the stranded Pakistanis. According to the statement, Pakistani and Iraqi interior ministers agreed to set up a joint commission for a long-term settlement of various issues. They agreed to take measures to improve coordination between the two ministries and promote links between Pakistan and Iraq.
The degree of organization and demand on infrastructure on a country like Iraq must be substantial, and yet the people openly welcome pilgrims with generosity and warmth.#Arbaeen2022 #Ukraine #Iraq pic.twitter.com/nCXgZ3jLQz
— Reyhan (@reyhan80975468) September 12, 2022
