Iraq Waives Visa Fees and Offers E-Visa Facility for Pakistani Pilgrims in a Bid to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
In a momentous development, Iraq has extended a warm welcome to Pakistani pilgrims by officially ending visa fees for those seeking to visit the country for religious purposes. This comes as part of a significant effort to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.
Recently, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Rana Sanaullah, embarked on a four-day visit to Iraq, following an exclusive invitation from his Iraqi counterpart, Abdul Amir Al-Sabri. The primary focus of the visit was to bolster ties and foster cooperation on various fronts between the two friendly countries.
During the visit, Minister Rana held a crucial meeting with Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, wherein both leaders pledged to collaborate on defense and counter-terrorism efforts. This reaffirms their shared commitment to addressing common challenges and promoting regional security.
The highlight of the visit was the Iraqi Prime Minister’s generous decision to waive visa fees for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq for religious reasons. This gesture expected to ease the pilgrimage process and foster a stronger cultural and spiritual bond between the two nations.
In a bid to promote trade and investment, Pakistani investors will soon receive e-visa facilities, enabling them to explore business opportunities in Iraq. This move set to facilitate economic growth and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Al-Sudani expressed a strong desire to expedite the release of Pakistani prisoners detained in Iraq for minor offenses, showcasing Iraq’s commitment to fostering positive relations and humanitarian initiatives.
In response to Minister Rana’s expressions of gratitude, Iraq’s Interior Minister extended ongoing support to Pakistani pilgrims, ensuring their journey is smooth and fulfilling.
In a remarkable outcome of the meeting, the quota for Pakistani pilgrims during the holy occasion of Arbaeen has significantly increased to 100,000. Additionally, individual visas will now be available, granting pilgrims the flexibility to travel independently or as part of groups.
