By Abdul Ghani

Pakistan and Iraq are finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will pave the way for the establishment of dedicated Zaireen Facilitation Offices in Baghdad and Karbala to provide services to Pakistani pilgrims visiting the holy sites in Iraq, according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.

According to the document, a parliamentary committee has recommended that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony continue its efforts to establish facilitation offices in Baghdad and Karbala, subject to the approval of the competent authorities in Iraq.

The document states that the proposed MoU between the Government of the Republic of Iraq and Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on cooperation in the field of Zaireen Hospitality is currently under process. The agreement aims to institutionalise bilateral cooperation to improve facilities for Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iraq for religious purposes.

Under the draft agreement, Pakistan intends to establish Zaireen Facilitation Offices under the supervision of its embassy in Iraq. The offices will be created in coordination with relevant Iraqi authorities after obtaining all necessary approvals from the host country.

Once the MoU is signed and the required diplomatic and administrative formalities are completed, the facilitation offices will offer a range of services, including guidance, logistical assistance, information support and coordination for Pakistani Zaireen visiting the holy shrines in Iraq. The initiative is expected to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience by providing an official institutional mechanism to meet the needs of pilgrims during their stay.

The proposed arrangement is also expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iraq in religious affairs, while improving official coordination on pilgrimage management. Thousands of Pakistani pilgrims travel to Iraq annually to visit the sacred religious sites in Najaf, Karbala and other cities, making the establishment of dedicated facilitation offices a significant step towards ensuring better services, timely assistance and enhanced welfare for Pakistani Zaireen.

Credit: INP-WealthPk