Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chaired an expanded meeting in the holy city of Karbala, attended by ministers, governors, senior security commanders, and heads of service agencies, to review the implementation of the comprehensive plan for the commemoration of the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
According to Iraqi News Agency, the Media Office of the Prime Minister stated that during the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi affirmed that in Karbala, the city of sacrifice, heroism, and martyrdom, all efforts united to serve the visitors of the Master of Martyrs. The Prime Minister noted that the smooth movement of millions of pilgrims reflected the successful implementation of the pre-prepared plans.
The statement further revealed the Prime Minister's appreciation and gratitude to all contributors, including the holy shrines, Husseini procession organizers, and volunteers. Commending the security and military forces' efforts, he directed that preparations for next year's Arbaeen pilgrimage begin immediately, with relevant committees continuing their work. Additionally, he instructed that cleaning campaigns and the return transport of pilgrims persist until every pilgrim safely reaches their hometown.
The statement highlighted that the Prime Minister received detailed reports on various services provided to pilgrims over the more than fifteen-day pilgrimage period. Ministers, security commanders, heads of committees, and governors reviewed the security and service plans implemented in Karbala Governorate, encompassing transportation, healthcare, and other services that ensured the pilgrimage's success.
The submitted reports emphasized the smooth transportation of over 20 million pilgrims. Ministries, government entities, and governorates facilitated more than 10,000 transport vehicles, alongside leasing approximately 3,000 large buses and private transport vehicles. The reports also noted the high coordination level among the committees, which effectively addressed various challenges during the pilgrimage.