Baghdad –INA
The head of the Supreme Committee for Mass Pilgrimages and Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command, Lieutenant General Qais Al-Mohammadawi, stressed on Monday the importance of adopting early strategic planning for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, emphasizing that preparations should not be managed on a reactive basis.
Al-Mohammadawi also called for the implementation of long-term strategic projects to support the annual pilgrimage.
A statement by the Supreme Committee for Mass Pilgrimages, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), said Al-Mohammadawi, during a hearing attended by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, presented a series of proposals and strategic visions, foremost among them launching efforts to address challenges and obstacles immediately after the conclusion of the pilgrimage through a comprehensive assessment and the identification of requirements for the following year.
He stressed that preparations for the Arbaeen pilgrimage should be treated as a year-round project rather than a seasonal undertaking.
He noted that the services provided to pilgrims are directly linked to the security dimension, particularly in the areas of transportation, energy and essential services.
Al-Mohammadawi called for the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects, including the construction of ring roads in the holy provinces of Najaf and Karbala, the establishment of organized vehicle parking facilities on the outskirts of the cities, and the development of integrated plans to manage the return movement of pilgrims after the conclusion of the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Al-Mohammadawi praised the formation of a parliamentary committee tasked with overseeing preparations for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, stressing the importance of maintaining its work throughout the year and developing an early implementation plan in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure the pilgrimage's success.
He added that early, integrated coordination among all state institutions would help project a positive image of Iraq and its people to the world.
On the security front, Al-Mohammadawi said the security plan would be intelligence-led to ensure security while reducing the visible military presence on the streets.
He said preemptive operations and security reconnaissance would be completed ahead of the pilgrimage, while security sectors and operational axes would be clearly delineated to define responsibilities. He added that detailed timelines and operational plans would be prepared for every stage of the pilgrimage, with the movement of security forces organized according to the principles of maneuverability and operational sustainability to ensure flexibility and efficiency.
He also referred to the memorandum of understanding with Iran, affirming that Iraqi law would be applied in addressing violations while facilitating the entry and departure of Iranian pilgrims in accordance with legal regulations.
He added that the Supreme Committee had also finalized the division of the pilgrimage's operational sectors.