Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Rana Sanaullah, recently made a four-day trip to Iraq in response to a special invitation from his Iraqi counterpart, Abdul Amir Al-Sabri, according to Samaa News.
The main purpose of the visit was to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries and foster cooperation in various areas. Minister Rana held a meeting with Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, to explore potential opportunities for collaboration.
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During the meeting, both leaders agreed to collaborate on defense and counter-terrorism efforts, reaffirming their commitment to addressing common challenges.
An important outcome of the visit was the Iraqi PM’s decision to waive visa fees for Pakistani pilgrims. This means that Pakistani citizens visiting Iraq for religious purposes will no longer be required to pay visa fees.
Furthermore, Pakistani investors will be granted electronic visa (e-visa) facilities within a week, enabling them to invest and conduct business in Iraq.
Iraq’s PM also expressed a strong desire to expedite the release of Pakistani prisoners in Iraq who were incarcerated for minor offenses.
Minister Rana expressed his gratitude to Iraq’s Interior Minister for the support provided to Pakistani pilgrims during the visit.
As a result of this meeting, the quota for Pakistani pilgrims attending the religious event of Arbaeen will be increased to 100,000. Additionally, individual visas will now be available, allowing pilgrims to travel more flexibly, in addition to the existing group visas.
