Iraq urged to issue 15-day visa to religious tourists

Qadri seeks devising a strategy to facilitate religious tourists by issuing individual, group visas

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sahibzada Noorul Haq Qadri on Thursday urged Iraqi authorities to issue at least 15-day religious tourist visa to Pakistani pilgrims instead of only seven days.

Talking to a high-level delegation led by Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr Fuad Hussein, the minister urged devising a strategy to facilitate religious tourists by issuing individual and group visas.

The minister also demanded the facility of direct flights to Najaf and Baghdad from different cities of the country.

He said Pakistani people have historical, religious, spiritual relations with the people of Iraq.

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In the meeting, the dignitaries discussed early completion of Ziarat directorate in Iraq and completion of Pakistan House in Karbala for facilitation of Pakistani religious tourists.

The minister said the relations of both the countries have further strengthened in the last three years.
The delegation comprised Iraqi Foreign Minister Fawad Hussein, Iraqi Ambassador to Pakistan Hamid Abbas Lafta, Deputy Head of Mission Iraq Mahmoud Khalid and Suleiman Khalid.

Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Parliamentary Secretary Aftab Jehangir, Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Ijab Khan Jaffar, Pakistan Ambassador in Iraq Ahmed Amjad Ali and other officers were present.