FM raises visa issues of Pakistani Zaireen with Iraqi Ambassador

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday met Ambassador of Iraq, Dr Ali Yassin Mohammed Karim at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and raised with him the issues faced by Pakistani Zaireen in obtaining Iraqi visas for Arbaeen.

While appreciating the Iraqi government’s efforts in facilitating rising number of Zaireen from Pakistan, the foreign minister expressed concern over the reports of a large number of Pakistanis still waiting for issuance of Iraqi visas to go to Arbaeen, said a statement issued by Foreign Office.

Highlighting the inconvenience and disappointment faced by Ziareen, the foreign minister drew attention of the Ambassador to the fact that many of them travel by road and would not be able to perform ziarat this year due to the inordinate delay.

The foreign minister stressed the need for urgent streamlining of the visa procedures and placing them on the embassy’s website along with the list of authorised travel agents, for the convenience of visa applicants.

He assured the Iraqi Ambassador of the full support and cooperation of the government of Pakistan in ensuring that all Zaireen return to Pakistan after performing Ziarat.

Dr Ali Yassin Mohammed Karim assured the foreign minister of maximum cooperation and support of Embassy of Iraq in processing of all visa requests well within time and in a transparent manner.

He also said that the backlog of visa applications for Arbaeen would be cleared within next few days, however, the applicants should ensure submission of complete application forms.