Pakistani pilgrims should have clearance number before entering Iraq: FO

Pakistani embassy in Baghdad had informed the Foreign office of requirement.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan released a press release stating that the Zaireen (pilgrims) should ensure that their Visa contains the required clearance number before travelling to Iraq.

Pakistan’s Embassy in Baghdad informed the Foreign Office that the pilgrims who do not have a specific clearance number, issued by the Interior Ministry of Iraq, will be denied entry into the country.

Pakistan’s  Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also taken up this matter with the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad.

Earlier in April, Pakistani pilgrims travelling to the holy cities of Kerbala in Iraq were stranded at the Baghdad airport due to local elections.

Foreign Office spokesperson Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhray had said that the Pakistan Embassy in Baghdad is in contact with the relevant authorities in Iraq to resolve the issue.