During a meeting with an Iraqi delegation, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi requested the exemption of Pakistani citizens from visa requirements for travel to Iraq.
According to a report by the Pakistan Observer, both Iraq and Pakistan emphasized the importance of preventing illegal immigration and human trafficking. The discussions also addressed mutual concerns, including the need to refrain from confiscating the passports of Pakistani visitors in Iraq and enhancing facilitation for them.
Minister Naqvi stressed that the proposal to not confiscate passports from travelers heading to Iraq requires immediate action, expressing hope that the Iraqi government would make a definitive decision on this matter soon. Additionally, topics such as training Iraqi police in Pakistan, cooperation on the Safe City project, and strengthening mutual efforts to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking were discussed.
For his part, the commander of the Iraqi Rapid Response Unit stated that they would address the issue of passport confiscation for Pakistani visitors, expressing optimism for a resolution. He noted that “our brothers and sisters coming from Pakistan are our esteemed guests,” and mentioned that Pakistan has decided to provide visa-free facilitation for Iraqi citizens, which will be implemented soon.
