Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to expand pilgrim cooperation and deepen long-term coordination between their interior ministries, following a high-level meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iraqi Interior Minister General Abdul Ameer Al-Shammari in Brussels on Friday.
The discussion focused on strengthening administrative and security mechanisms to ensure smoother, safer travel for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq. Both sides underscored the need for a streamlined system that facilitates organised movement, prevents overstaying, and improves communication between the two governments.
Joint Focus on Security and Counterterrorism
The ministers also committed to bolstering security cooperation, including enhanced collaboration on counterterrorism, measures to combat human trafficking, and structured information-sharing through a joint mechanism. The meeting highlighted the shared intent to modernise coordination frameworks and make cooperation sustainable.
Minister Naqvi thanked the Iraqi government for its longstanding hospitality toward Pakistani pilgrims, emphasising that their safety and dignity remain a top priority for Islamabad. He reaffirmed that institutions from both countries will remain in constant contact to ensure compliance with travel protocols and avoid any violations of stay limits.
Iraq Praises Pakistan’s New Pilgrim Management Efforts
General Al-Shammari praised Pakistan’s recent efforts to formalise and regulate pilgrim groups, describing the new measures as an unprecedented step toward better management. He assured that all individuals documented by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior will be granted entry into Iraq without hindrance.
The Iraqi minister further announced plans to visit Pakistan soon to finalise a joint strategy aimed at advancing Pakistan Iraq ties, improving pilgrim services, and elevating bilateral security cooperation.
