Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi assured that Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq will not be allowed to overstay. He said both countries’ institutions will coordinate closely to ensure compliance and smooth arrangements. The announcement came during a key meeting in Brussels with Iraqi Interior Minister General Abdul Ameer Al-Shammari.
Both ministers discussed enhancing bilateral ties and improving facilities for Pakistani pilgrims. They agreed to strengthen cooperation on security matters, counterterrorism, and human trafficking. Naqvi highlighted that pilgrim safety, dignity, and facilitation remain Pakistan’s top priority, while the Iraqi minister praised Pakistan’s recent efforts to formally organize and regulate pilgrim groups.
Read more: Pakistan, Iraq strengthen pilgrim facilitation and security cooperation
The Iraqi minister confirmed that all pilgrims listed by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior would be allowed entry. Both sides pledged to maintain continuous communication for smooth coordination and to further progress in broader security cooperation. Plans for a joint mechanism to exchange information and counter threats were also discussed.
Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Iraqi government and people for their hospitality. He said the two countries will finalize a joint plan soon to improve pilgrim facilitation, security cooperation, and bilateral relations. The Iraqi minister announced he would visit Pakistan shortly to formalize this plan.
Read more: Pakistan, Jordan agree to expand security cooperation
The development follows Naqvi’s meeting with EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner on curbing illegal migration and human trafficking. Brunner praised Pakistan’s efforts, noting a 47% reduction in illegal migration attempts to Europe. Naqvi highlighted that 1,770 human traffickers and their agents were arrested in Pakistan this year, demonstrating a “zero-tolerance policy.”