Pakistan raises pilgrims' passport issue with Iraq

Pakistan on Saturday raised the issue of pilgrims' passports with Iraq.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi raised the issue with Commander of Iraq's Rapid Response Unit Lieutenant General Dr Tahmeir Ismail who was leading a high-level delegation.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, including not taking passports from Pakistani pilgrims in Iraq and providing more facilities to them were discussed in detail. Moreover, training of Iraqi police in Pakistan, cooperation in the Safe City project, enhancement of mutual cooperation to prevent illegal immigration and human smuggling were also discussed.

The Iraqi delegation invited Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi to visit Iraq.

The minister emphasized that the proposal of not taking passports from pilgrims traveling to Iraq requires immediate action added that hopefully, the Iraqi government will soon make a final decision in this regard.

The Commander of the Iraqi Rapid Response Unit said that they will discuss the issue of not taking passports from Pakistani pilgrims with the passport director general, and hoped that the issue will be resolved.

He added that the brothers and sisters coming from Pakistan are our respectable guests.

He highlighted that Pakistan has decided to provide visa-free facility to Iraqi citizens, which will be implemented soon.

He added that all possible cooperation for the training of Iraqi police and in the Safe City project will be provided.

The Iraqi delegation included Brigadier General Commander of Protection Regiment Aqeel Kazim, Brigadier General Abdul Hussain, Muhammad Suhail, and others.

Federal Secretary Interior Khurram Ali Agha and MD NRTC Brigadier Muhammad Asim were also present on the occasion.