Pakistani pilgrims will not be allowed to overstay in Iraq, assures Naqvi

Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi on Friday emphasised that pilgrims travelling to Iraq would not be permitted to overstay beyond the specified period, adding that relevant institutions of both countries would remain in close contact to ensure compliance and smooth coordination.

Naqvi stated this during a crucial meeting in Brussels, Belgium, with his Iraqi counterpart, General Abdul Ameer Al-Shammari. Both sides discussed measures to enhance bilateral relations and improve facilities for Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iraq, the Ministry of Interior said in a press release.

The two ministers held a detailed exchange of views on strengthening cooperation between the interior ministries of both countries on a sustainable and effective basis. They agreed to deepen coordination to ensure smooth arrangements for pilgrims as well as progress in broader security matters.

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The Iraqi interior minister highly appreciated Pakistan’s recent steps to formally organise and regulate pilgrim groups, calling the efforts “commendable” and noting that such effective measures were taken for the first time under the current administration. He assured that all pilgrims included in the list provided by the Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior would be allowed entry into Iraq.

Both ministers also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in security matters, counterterrorism, prevention of human trafficking, and the exchange of information through a joint mechanism.

Minister Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Iraqi government and people for their continued cooperation and traditional hospitality towards Pakistani pilgrims. He reaffirmed that the safety, dignity, and facilitation of Pakistani pilgrims remain the top priority of the government of Pakistan.

The Iraqi minister announced that he would soon visit Pakistan to finalise a joint plan aimed at enhancing pilgrim facilitation, security cooperation, and bilateral ties.

The development comes a day after Naqvi held an important meeting with European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in Brussels, where both sides discussed measures to curb illegal migration, combat human trafficking, and enhance bilateral cooperation.

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During the meeting, Commissioner Brunner highly appreciated Pakistan’s efforts, noting a 47% reduction in attempts to reach Europe through illegal routes over the past year. He termed Pakistan’s actions “exemplary” and praised the government for its strong crackdown on human smugglers.

Commissioner Brunner announced that he would visit Pakistan soon to acknowledge the country’s efforts against illegal migration and to hold direct consultations on future strategies.

Minister Naqvi informed the EU side that 1,770 human smugglers and their agents have been arrested in Pakistan this year, reflecting the government’s “zero-tolerance policy” against illegal migration.