ISLAMABAD: The travel rules for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq for Arbaeen have been eased by the Iraqi government in a major step toward making pilgrimage easier.
Mohsin Naqvi, the interior minister of Pakistan, and Hamid Abbas Lafta, the ambassador of Iraq, launched a number of initiatives aimed at reducing travel and improving convenience.
The declarations, which came after a high-level conference on Wednesday, are expected to facilitate thousands of Muslims’ pilgrimage journeys.
Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq will no longer need to turn up their passports as part of the measures. Rather of utilizing travel agencies, they will obtain their visas straight from the Iraqi Embassy.
In addition, more Pakistani pilgrim permits will be made available, enabling more devotees to take part in the Arbaeen observance.
Concurrently, a new Iraqi consulate will be opened in Karachi, and special flights will be launched to accommodate pilgrims from Pakistan.
A visa relief agreement will be applied to diplomatic and official passports, and both countries have committed to take action against agents who demand excessive charges from pilgrims. A request for a similar concession for regular pilgrims is still pending.
The previously mentioned changes are intended to guarantee a seamless journey for pilgrims from Pakistan, offer similar services, and lower costs.
After the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi was asked to visit Iraq by Ambassador Lafta, and Minister Naqvi thanked the Iraqi government for their support.
Separately, Pakistan International carriers (PIA) is scheduled to release its schedule shortly, and the interior minister has obtained permission from Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif to let Iraqi carriers to conduct special flights.
