ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (Alliance News): Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi held a significant meeting with Iraqi Interior Minister General Abdul Ameer Al-Shammari on Thursday, where both sides discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and improving facilities for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq.
The discussion reflected a shared commitment to strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing security collaboration and ensuring dignified and hassle-free travel for pilgrims.
The two ministers held an in-depth exchange on building a long-term framework for cooperation between their interior ministries.
They agreed to establish more efficient, sustainable channels of communication to ensure smooth arrangements for pilgrims and to advance progress in broader security and law enforcement matters.
Both sides stressed the importance of structured coordination, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons when thousands of Pakistanis travel to Iraq to visit holy sites.
General Al-Shammari praised Pakistan’s recent steps to streamline and formally regulate pilgrim groups.
He described the measures as “commendable,” noting that such effective oversight was being implemented for the first time under the current administration.
He assured that all pilgrims included in the lists provided by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior would be granted entry into Iraq without delay, reflecting Iraq’s continued commitment to facilitating visitors from Pakistan.
Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that Pakistani pilgrims would not be allowed to overstay beyond the permissible travel period, ensuring that both countries maintain transparent and mutually respectful arrangements.
He said relevant institutions would remain in close contact to ensure full compliance and seamless coordination throughout the pilgrimage process.
The meeting also underscored the need for enhanced cooperation in security-related areas, including counterterrorism efforts, the prevention of human trafficking and the establishment of a formal mechanism for information exchange.
Both ministers agreed to develop more robust channels for rapid communication and joint responses to emerging security concerns.
Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep gratitude to the Iraqi government and people for their hospitality and continuous support to Pakistani visitors, stating that the safety, dignity and facilitation of pilgrims remain a top priority for Pakistan.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Pakistani pilgrims receive efficient services and secure passage during their stay in Iraq.
Iraqi Interior Minister General Al-Shammari announced that he would soon undertake an official visit to Pakistan to finalize a joint action plan aimed at improving pilgrim management, enhancing security cooperation and reinforcing bilateral ties.
The planned visit is expected to mark a new chapter in Pakistan-Iraq cooperation, focusing on streamlined travel systems, strong security coordination and long-term institutional partnership.
