Turi calls on Iraqi ambassador for resolving Zaireen issues

Shiite News: Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Turi met the Ambassador of Iraq to Pakistan Hamid Abbas on Tuesday.

Pak-Iraq bilateral relations and problems faced by the Zaireen especially on the occasion of Arbaeen were discussed.

Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Turi said that there is a strong historical, spiritual and cultural relationship between Iraq and Pakistan.

He added that every year millions of Pakistanis go to Iraq for pilgrimage to Imam Hussain (A.S) on Arbaeen.
He urged the Iraqi Ambassador to lift the ban on granting visas to persons under the age of 40.

Sajid Hussain Turi said that there is a desire that Iraqi government should provide opportunities for Pakistanis to work legally in Iraq.

Regarding Arbaeen he said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs are preparing a comprehensive policy for pilgrimages, until a comprehensive policy is formulated for Arbaeen this problem cannot be resolved.

Turi also demanded relaxation in issuing visas to pilgrims and also release of Pakistanis imprisoned in Iraqi jails for minor crimes.

Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas said on this occasion that Iraq is proud of its brotherly relations with Pakistan, Iraqi people consider Pakistan as their second home.

Pakistan and Iraq are very good friends from the beginning and will always be.

He said that this year 25000 visas have been issued till now for for Arbaeen,
more visas will be issued till Arbaeen.

The Iraqi ambassador invited Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Turi to visit Iraq and assured the release of Pakistani prisoners.

Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Turi accepted the invitation of the Iraqi ambassador and thanked him and said that after Arbaeen he will visit Iraq himself, where he will discuss with the Iraqi authorities on strengthening bilateral relations and increasing relations in various fields.