Islamabad: In a significant development for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi has successfully negotiated improved travel and visa arrangements. These enhancements were confirmed during a meeting with the Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta at the Ministry of Interior.

According to Press Information Department, the negotiations led to several key agreements, including the non-withholding of pilgrims’ passports upon their air travel to Iraq, direct issuance of visas by the Iraqi Embassy during Arbaeen instead of through travel agents, and an increase in the quota and number of visas for Pakistani pilgrims. Additionally, special flights will be operated on the occasion of Arbaeen, and efforts to reopen the Iraqi consulate in Karachi were fast-tracked, with resolutions expected the same day.

Interior Minister Naqvi also plans to discuss the abolition of visa fees for Pakistani pilgrims with his Iraqi counterpart and has ensured measures against overcharging by travel agents. The meeting also touched on facilitating the repatriation of Pakistanis imprisoned in Iraq and the appointment of a Police Liaison Officer in Iraq. Both countries aim to expedite a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders.

This suite of measures, particularly the decision not to withhold passports from air travelers, marks a significant relief for Pakistani pilgrims, aligning their facilities with those provided to pilgrims from other countries. The Iraqi Ambassador reaffirmed this commitment, ensuring equitable treatment for all pilgrims.