Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to waive visa fees for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to religious sites during Arbaeen, aiming to simplify travel arrangements. In a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta, several measures were introduced to facilitate smoother and more accessible journeys for thousands of devotees. Key decisions included the elimination of the requirement for Pakistani pilgrims to surrender their passports upon arrival and the issuance of visas directly through the Iraqi Embassy, bypassing travel agents.
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The two sides also decided to increase the quota for Pakistani pilgrims and to operate special flights from Pakistan to Iraq during the religious observance. A new Iraqi consulate is set to open in Karachi, and both governments are cracking down on agents charging excessive fees. Additionally, a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passports was discussed, and the possibility of a visa fee waiver for ordinary pilgrims was raised. These efforts aim to provide a more seamless and equitable experience for Pakistani pilgrims.
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In a related development, Federal Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif approved Iraqi airlines to operate special flights, with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) expected to announce its schedule soon. The collaboration between Pakistan and Iraq marks a significant step toward enhancing religious pilgrimage travel and also includes discussions on easing work permit processes for Pakistani workers in Iraq.
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