In a move aimed at facilitating religious observances, Iraqi authorities have introduced a policy granting free entry visas to Pakistani pilgrims traveling for the Arba’een commemoration. This decision comes in the wake of important discussions led by Rana Sana Ullah, the former interior minister of Pakistan, during his recent visit to Iraq. The free visa initiative is operational from August 19 to September 20, coinciding with the Arba’een period.
The Iraqi Embassy revealed that the government has also raised the quota for Pakistani visitors to 100,000, a significant increase that reflects the growing significance of the event for pilgrims from Pakistan.
Under the newly finalized arrangement, Pakistani pilgrims will have the option to enter Iraq through multiple routes, including Al-Sheib Port, the land route to Baghdad, and Al-Najaf International Airport.
Arba’een is a significant religious festival observed by millions of Muslims globally, particularly in Iraq. It commemorates the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Every year, millions of devotees, known as Arba’een pilgrims, embark on a foot journey to the holy city of Karbala. The pilgrimage culminates at the Imam Hussein Shrine, a site of immense spiritual importance.
As Iraqi authorities extend this gesture of free visas to Pakistani pilgrims, the Arba’een observance is poised to facilitate a meaningful and spiritually enriching experience for participants, while also underscoring the event’s broader message of unity and shared humanity.
