Discrimination with Pakistani pilgrims: MOFA raises concern to Iraq on TNFJ demand
Islamabad, October 23, 2025 — On the demand of Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Fiqh-e-Jafariya (TNFJ), the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised with the Government of Iraq the issue of discriminatory rules and regulations recently imposed on Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq.
In a formal letter addressed to the Headquarters of TNFJ, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that the Government of Pakistan has taken several steps to restore and safeguard the rights of Pakistani pilgrims in Iraq. The Ministry conveyed that the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad has been informed that the restriction prohibiting Pakistani male pilgrims under 50 years of age from traveling without other family members is depriving thousands of pilgrims of their religious right to perform ziyarat (i.e. pilgrimage to the holy shrines).
According to the communication, the Pakistani Embassy in Baghdad has also been activated to address the issue, and has apprised the Iraqi authorities of the negative impacts of the newly introduced travel regulations, urging a comprehensive review of the decision.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has further involved the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, asking them to engage with their Iraqi counterparts for the removal of the controversial restrictions. The Ministry assured that the Government of Pakistan remains fully committed to facilitating pilgrims and will continue to take all possible measures to ensure their convenience and rights.
Earlier, TNFJ Chief Allama Agha Syed Hussain Maqdisi had decided to take up the matter at the highest governmental level, following Iraq’s introduction of the new discriminatory regulations. Through special letters to senior officials of the Government of Pakistan, TNFJ highlighted the sensitivity of the issue and conveyed its serious concerns over the deprivation faced by Pakistani pilgrims.
Responding to TNFJ’s appeal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ swift and professional action has been lauded by the organization’s Secretary-General Allama Raja Basharat Hussain Imami, who termed it “commendable and worthy of appreciation.” He expressed confidence that this proactive approach would help in resolving the issue of Iraq’s controversial travel regulations.
Allama Imami reaffirmed that TNFJ, as always, stands ready to cooperate fully with all government efforts aimed at resolving the difficulties of Pakistani pilgrims and promoting the collective welfare of the nation. He further stated that TNFJ has also reached out to Iraq’s senior religious authorities (Maraje-e-Uzam), the custodians of the holy shrines, and other responsible officials through special communications to convey Pakistan’s reservations regarding the newly imposed rules.
