Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta have announced several measures to ease travel restrictions and enhance convenience for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq for Arbaeen. These landmark decisions were made during a high-level meeting on Wednesday, aimed at making the pilgrimage smoother and more accessible for thousands of devotees.
Both sides agreed that Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq for Arbaeen would no longer need to surrender their passports upon arrival. Instead, visas will be issued directly by the Iraqi Embassy, eliminating the need for travel agents, and the quota for Pakistani pilgrims will be increased.
Special flights will be arranged from Pakistan for the pilgrims, and a new consulate will be opened in Karachi. Both countries will also crack down on agents charging excessive fees. Additionally, a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passports was established, and a request was made for a visa fee waiver for ordinary pilgrims.
These decisions aim to provide equal facilities to Pakistani pilgrims, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Interior Minister Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Iraqi counterparts for their cooperation, while Ambassador Lafta extended an invitation for Naqvi to visit Iraq.
In a swift follow-up, Naqvi secured approval from Federal Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif to allow Iraqi airlines to operate special flights. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is also set to announce its schedule soon. This development marks a significant improvement in travel arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims, promising a more convenient and accessible journey to Iraq.
