Pakistan & Iraq agree to begin ferry service for Ziareen
Pakistan and Iraq have decided to start a ferry service between Basra and Karachi to help Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq.
The deal was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta here on Thursday.
They decided to sign the Pakistan-Iraq pilgrimage agreement this year and to grant visa quotas to Pakistani pilgrims headed to Iraq.
Efforts have been made to properly strengthen ports and the maritime sector. People would enjoy safe travel for religious and general purposes, he added. Asked, the official said two more ships were purchased to improve commercial activities in the region.
He said that a committee has been set up to ensure transparent procurement of more vessels and that the recommendation process in this regard will be completed shortly.
During the speech, the Interior Minister thanked the Iraqi government for granting visas to 60,000 Pakistani pilgrims for the Arbaeen (Chehlum) of Imam Hussain of Hazrat this year.
The Interior Minister stressed the need for an early signing of the pilgrimage agreement and said that millions of pilgrims visit Karbala, Najaf and Baghdad every year and that this agreement would provide them with the best facilities.
Pakistan & Iraq agree to begin ferry service for Ziareen
The Iraqi ambassador said Pakistan and Iraq have historical, fraternal and enduring ties. He said the agreement would expand and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and provide the best visa facilitation for Pakistani visitors.
