Iraq increases Pakistan’s Arbaeen quota

BAGHDAD: The Iraq government has decided to raise the quota of Pakistan’s pilgrims during Arbaeen, the Shia religious observance that occurs forty days after the Day of Ashura.

The quota was increased from 50,000 to 100,000, doubling the number of Pakistanis who will be able to perform the pilgrimage.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, who is on a visit to Iraq.

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The Iraqi Interior Minister approved the issuance of individual and group visas to Pakistani pilgrims from the Iraqi Embassy in Pakistan. He also vowed to reduce the visa fees.

Talking to his Iraqi counterpart, Sanaullah said that Pakistan respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq.

“Islamabad fully supports Baghdad’s efforts of rehabilitation in the country,” he said.

Sanaullah said the Iraqi government could benefit from the counter-terrorism expertise of Islamabad’s institutions. Sanaullah also called on Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid.

Arbaeen is one of the world’s biggest religious gatherings obse­rved in Iraq and Iran, both Shia majority countries. The event marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for the death of Imam Hussein, slain by the forces of Yazid in 680AD.

It is scheduled to take place on September 5 to 6 this year.