ISLAMABAD: The ambassador of Iraq to Pakistan, Hamid Abbas Lafta on Sunday met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of Overseas Pakistani Chaudhry Salik Hussain and discussed ways to enhance the travel experience of Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed on making it easier and more affordable for Pakistani Muslims to travel to Iraq for religious pilgrimages. They also discussed the possibility of free entry visas for Pakistani pilgrims and increasing the number of people allowed to visit Iraq each year.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi voiced his concern about excessive fees charged by travel agents from pilgrims and ensured to act against those breaking the law. He also requested the Iraqi government to consider the issue of allowing Pakistani pilgrims to keep their passports with them while in Iraq.
The Iraqi ambassador assured full cooperation of the embassy in making pilgrimage easier for Pakistani citizens. He also provided a list of travel agents who had been overcharging pilgrims. Minister Naqvi assured to take action against these agents within a week.
They also agreed to finalize a visa waiver agreement for officials and diplomats from both countries. Additionally, Pakistan and Iraq are working on a deal that will make it easier for Pakistani workers to get Iraqi work permits.
