Najaf: The head of the Supreme Committee for Mass Pilgrimages and Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command, Lieutenant General Qais Al-Mohammadawi, emphasized the importance of early strategic planning for the Arbaeen pilgrimage. He highlighted that preparations should not be reactive but should be part of a comprehensive, year-long strategy.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Mohammadawi also called for the implementation of long-term strategic projects to support the annual pilgrimage. During a hearing attended by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, he presented a series of proposals and strategic visions. These included launching efforts to address challenges and obstacles immediately after the pilgrimage through a comprehensive assessment and identifying requirements for the following year.

Al-Mohammadawi stressed that the services provided to pilgrims are closely linked to the security dimension, particularly in areas such as transportation, energy, and essential services. He called for strategic infrastructure projects, including constructing ring roads in the holy provinces of Najaf and Karbala, establishing organized vehicle parking facilities on city outskirts, and developing integrated plans to manage the return movement of pilgrims after the pilgrimage concludes.

He praised the formation of a parliamentary committee tasked with overseeing preparations for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its work throughout the year. He highlighted the need for early implementation plans in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the pilgrimage’s success. Al-Mohammadawi noted 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 stated that the security plan would be intelligence-led to ensure safety while reducing the visible military presence on the streets. He mentioned that preemptive operations and security reconnaissance would be completed ahead of the pilgrimage, with clear delineation of security sectors and operational axes to define responsibilities. Detailed timelines and operational plans would be prepared for every stage of the pilgrimage, with security forces’ movements organized for flexibility and efficiency.

He also referred to a memorandum of understanding with Iran, affirming that Iraqi law would be applied in addressing violations while facilitating the entry and departure of Iranian pilgrims following legal regulations. Additionally, the Supreme Committee had finalized the division of the pilgrimage’s operational sectors.