Al-Sudani Leads Meeting on Arba'een Pilgrimage Preparations

 
Baghdad-INA
 
 
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani presided over a meeting with the Chairman and members of the Permanent Higher Committee for the Multi-Million Pilgrims and the Higher Security Committee for this year's Arba'een Pilgrimage to Holy Karbala.
 
“Al-Sudani reviewed the Committee's report on completed plans and programs, including comprehensive service provisions. Special attention was given to the management of the event for millions of Iraqi and foreign pilgrims. The Ministry of Interior's border crossing procedures were also examined to ensure ease of reception and departure for Arab and foreign visitors,” stated the media office of the prime minister, in a statement, received by The Iraqi News Agency-INA.
 
 
“Al-Sudani received an overview of notable accomplishments, including in the sectors of health, transportation, and electricity.   Efforts included road rehabilitation and development for pilgrims journeying on foot to Karbala from various Governorates,” the statement added. 
 
The Prime Minister emphasized the utmost dedication to realizing the success of service and security plans for the commemoration ceremonies. He highlighted the government's significant focus on the annual influx of millions of pilgrims to Iraq, necessitating meticulous strategic planning to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims from both within and outside the country. The need for coordination among all relevant agencies was underscored to ensure enhanced services for Imam al-Hussain ibn Ali pilgrims.
 
“He also underscored the government's dedicated commitment to organizing the pilgrimage, considering it both a religious duty and a professional responsibility. He also highlighted the economic significance of this endeavor in promoting religious tourism. This underscores the need for comprehensive plans and programs to accommodate the large number of pilgrims. He noted ongoing coordination with officials from other countries to facilitate pilgrims' needs and ensure proper facilities at border crossings,” the statement continued.
 
Earlier, the Prime Minister initiated the establishment of the Permanent Higher Committee for Multi-Million Pilgrims. Chaired by the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, the committee includes the Secretary-General of the General Secretariat for Provincial Affairs, the Governor of Karbala, and representatives from various ministries including Interior, Transportation, Construction, Housing, Municipalities, Culture, Joint Operations Command, and the Head of the Border Ports Authority.
 
The committee is responsible for devising strategic plans and solutions to cater to millions of pilgrims, ensuring essential services across governorates and border crossings en route to the holy cities. The strategic plans encompass road construction, bridge rehabilitation, railway development, border crossing facilities, and travelers rest areas and accommodations for pilgrims.