ISLAMABAD: The Iraqi Interior Minister has announced to allow the entry of 5 thousand Pakistanis stranded on the Iran-Iraq border and to open all entry points for Pakistani visitors.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had a telephonic contact with his Iraqi counterpart Usman Ali Fardhoud. Meanwhile, the delay in issuance of visas for Pakistani pilgrims, the increase in the number of visas and the difficulties faced by Pakistani pilgrims in entering Iraq were discussed.
Rana Sanaullah requested to allow the 5 thousand Pakistani pilgrims stranded on the Iran-Iraq border to enter Iraq. He also requested to open Iran-Iraq border permanently for Pakistani pilgrims entering Iraq through Iran and to issue special visas to pilgrims wishing to visit Chehlam Hazrat Imam Hussain RA.
The Iraqi Interior Minister welcomed all the proposals of his contemporaries and assured immediate approval of the demands and their implementation without delay.
The Iraqi Interior Minister announced the opening of all entry points for Pakistani visitors and immediate processing of all visa applications of Pakistani visitors pending at the Iraqi Embassy.
Along with this, the Iraqi Interior Minister also announced special visa facility for Pakistani pilgrims going to Iraq for Chehlum Hazrat Imam Hussain.
In the discussion between the two contemporaries, it was also decided to increase the number of visas for aspiring pilgrims from Pakistan to Iraq. It was also agreed to form a Pakistan-Iraq joint committee for a sustainable solution to other problems including pilgrims.
The two interior ministers also agreed on measures to promote Pakistan-Iraq relations and improve coordination between the interior ministries.
Rana Sanaullah thanked his counterpart for granting immediate permission to the five thousand Pakistani pilgrims stranded on the Iran-Iraq border to enter Iraq and granting other requests.
Rana Sanaullah invited the Iraqi Interior Minister to visit Pakistan, accepting which the Iraqi Interior Minister expressed good wishes for his Pakistani counterpart.
