Iraqi Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamid Abbas Lafta, met with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Sunday to discuss improving travel conditions for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq.
The meeting focused on facilitating easier and more affordable travel for Pakistani Muslims undertaking religious pilgrimages to Iraq.
Discussions included the potential for free entry visas for Pakistani pilgrims and increasing the annual visitor quota.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed concern over pilgrims being charged excessive fees by travel agents and pledged to take legal action against violators.
He also requested the Iraqi government to consider allowing Pakistani pilgrims to retain their passports while in Iraq.
The Iraqi ambassador assured full cooperation in simplifying travel procedures for Pakistani pilgrims and provided a list of travel agents engaged in overcharging. Minister Naqvi committed to taking action against these agents within a week.
Both parties agreed to expedite the finalization of a visa waiver agreement for diplomats and officials, and discussions are ongoing to streamline work permit issuance for Pakistani workers in Iraq.
The Iraqi ambassador extended congratulations to Minister Naqvi on his appointment and invited him to visit Iraq.
