ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq have agreed on a slew of measures to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims traveling to the Middle Eastern country for the Arbaeen religious festival, state-run media said, which include easing travel restrictions and operating special flights between the two countries.
Arbaeen is a significant event in the Islamic calendar observed by Shia Muslims around the world. It signifies the end of a 40-day mourning period for Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) grandson Imam Hussain, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
Pilgrims from Pakistan and all around the world flock to the Middle Eastern country every year to pay tribute to Hussain on the occasion.
“Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to operate special flights for Pakistani pilgrims on the occasion of Arbaeen,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said on Wednesday.
“Both sides agreed that Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq for Arbaeen would no longer need to surrender their passports upon arrival.”
The decision was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Iraq’s Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta. As per the APP, both officials promised to make the religious journey smoother and more accessible for thousands of devotees.
It was agreed during the meeting that Iraq would increase the quota for Pakistani pilgrims and would issue them visas directly from the Embassy of Iraq, APP said.
The state media also said that a new Iraqi consulate would also be opened in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi.
Both countries would also initiate a crackdown on travel agents charging excessive fees to pilgrims, APP said. A visa waiver agreement on diplomatic and official passports was also reached during the meeting, the state media reported, adding that Pakistan requested the same for citizens who held regular passports.
Decisions taken in the meeting aimed to provide equal facilities to Pakistani pilgrims by ensuring a hassle-free experience, APP said. It said Naqvi also managed to secure approval from Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif to allow Iraqi airlines to operate special flights to Pakistan for the occasion.
This development marked a significant improvement in travel arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims, promising a more convenient and accessible journey to Iraq, APP said.
Pakistan, Iraq announce slew of measures for Pakistani pilgrims traveling for Arbaeen
https://arab.news/w5eqx
Pakistan, Iraq announce slew of measures for Pakistani pilgrims traveling for Arbaeen
- Arbaeen marks end of 40-day mourning period for Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson Imam Hussain
- Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq will not have to surrender passports on arrival, says state-run media
Pakistan launches digital cash aid for low-income families during Ramadan, PM says
- Ramadan relief moves from state-run Utility Stores to targeted digital wallet transfers
- Government to transfer financial assistance through wallets to support sehri, iftar expenses
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will provide financial assistance to low-income households through digital wallets during the fasting month of Ramadan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday, announcing a government relief initiative aimed at helping families afford daily meals.
The support program comes as many Pakistanis continue to face elevated food and utility costs despite easing inflation, with Ramadan traditionally increasing household spending on staple foods, fruits and energy consumption.
For decades, government-run Utility Stores Corporation outlets were central to Ramadan relief in Pakistan, selling subsidized flour, sugar, ghee and pulses through special “Ramzan packages” that drew long queues in low-income neighborhoods. In recent years, however, authorities have steadily scaled back the system amid mounting losses, corruption complaints and logistical inefficiencies, shifting instead toward targeted cash transfers delivered through digital wallets and banking channels.
The change reflects a broader policy move away from state-managed commodity distribution toward direct financial assistance intended to give households flexibility while reducing leakages in subsidy programs.
“The Government of Pakistan has launched a Ramadan package under which financial assistance will be transferred to deserving individuals through digital wallets so that households can maintain sehri and iftar meals,” Sharif said in a message issued by his office.
The prime minister said Ramadan encourages compassion and collective responsibility toward vulnerable segments of society, adding that welfare support was part of the state’s duty during the holy month.
Officials say the digital cash transfers approach improves transparency and reduces corruption risks while enabling faster payments nationwide, particularly in urban low-income communities.
But the shift to fully digital assistance also brings challenges.
Access to smartphones and reliable mobile Internet remains uneven, particularly in rural areas and among older recipients, while many low-income households use SIM cards registered to someone else, complicating verification.
