ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 : Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mohsin Naqvi, held a high-level meeting with Iraq’s Interior Minister, General Abdul Ameer Al-Shammari, in Brussels, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in security, counterterrorism, and pilgrim facilitation.
During the meeting, the two ministers held comprehensive discussions on strengthening institutional collaboration between the interior ministries of both countries. They emphasized sustainable coordination to improve arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq and to expand progress in broader security areas.
The Iraqi Interior Minister praised Pakistan’s recent administrative measures to regulate pilgrim groups, describing them as “commendable” and noting that such an organized framework had been introduced for the first time. He assured that all pilgrims included in the official lists provided by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry would be granted entry into Iraq.
Minister Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that Pakistani pilgrims would not be allowed to overstay beyond the permitted period. He said relevant authorities from both countries would maintain close and continuous coordination to ensure compliance and smooth facilitation.
The two ministers also agreed to enhance cooperation in security, counterterrorism, prevention of human trafficking, and the exchange of information through an institutionalized joint mechanism.
Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Iraqi government for its longstanding support and hospitality toward Pakistani pilgrims. He reaffirmed that the safety, dignity, and facilitation of pilgrims remains the top priority of the Government of Pakistan.
General Al-Shammari announced that he would soon visit Pakistan to finalize a joint plan aimed at strengthening pilgrim management, security collaboration, and overall bilateral relations.