ISLAMABAD: In the meeting between the Federal Minister of Interior Rana Sanaullah and the Ambassador of Iraq to Pakistan, Mr. Hamid Abbas Lafta, discussions were held regarding the finalization of the “Pilgrims Agreement” between Pakistan and Iraq.
It was agreed to sign the Memorandum of Agreement between Pakistan and Iraq this year. Apart from this, it has also been agreed to start a ferry service between Karachi and Basra for the convenience of pilgrims.
The meeting also agreed on the proposal to allocate visa quota for Pakistani pilgrims going to Iraq.
While proposals regarding increasing visa quota and other travel facilities for Pakistani pilgrims going to Iraq were discussed.
The Minister of Interior has also requested the Honorable Ambassador to specially increase the number of visas for Pakistani pilgrims on the occasion of Arbaeen.
The Interior Minister thanked the Iraqi ambassador and the government for issuing visas to 60,000 Pakistani pilgrims for Arbaeen Imam Hussain, while also thanking the Iraqi government for giving special permission to 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims stranded at Iraq and Iran entry points to enter Karbala.
The interior minister said that Pakistan, Iraq want to sign the Zairean agreement without delay and the agreement is final from our side, requesting the Iraqi government to ratify the Zairean agreement soon. He further said that lakhs of devotees from Pakistan go to Karbala, Baghdad Sharif and Najaf every year and the agreement will provide the pilgrims with the best visa and travel facilities for the grandson of Prophet Imam Hussain.
He said that the agreement will allocate visa quota for Pakistani visitors, professional tour operators will be available.
Expressing good wishes, the Interior Minister said that Pakistan wants to start the ferry service between Basra and Karachi without delay.
He said that the Iraqi Interior Minister restored the suspended visas for Pakistani pilgrims going to Karbala for the 40th Imam Hussain on my request, I am grateful to him and I am also grateful to the Iraqi government for allowing Pakistani pilgrims to enter Iraq through Iran
Ambassador of Iraq Mr. Hamid Abbas Laftah said that the relations between Pakistan and Iraq are historical, fraternal and very long-standing.
He further said that the Zairean agreement will bring expansion and strength in the relations between Pakistan and Iraq. The honorable ambassador of Iraq said that the agreement will provide the best visa facilities for Pakistani visitors.
