Baghdad: The Supreme Committee for Mass Religious Pilgrimages has issued directives concerning the preparations for the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage. The directives emphasize the global importance of this large-scale religious event, which is a reflection of values such as solidarity and generosity.
According to Iraqi News Agency, the Joint Operations Command released a statement detailing that Lieutenant General Qais Al-Mohammadawi, who serves as the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations and the head of the Higher Committee for Mass Pilgrimages, has been actively engaging in specialized conferences with pertinent authorities. On Sunday, Al-Mohammadawi chaired a comprehensive conference at the command headquarters. This conference was attended by the head of the Border Ports Commission, various officials and directors from the Ministry of Interior, as well as police commanders from the provinces of Babil, Najaf, Diwaniyah, Muthanna, Dhi Qar, Wasit, and the holy city of Samarra via closed-circuit television.
The conference focused on implementing plans related to the Border Ports Commission and making arrangements for receiving pilgrims. It also discussed the Ministry of Interior's operational plan to secure the Arbaeen commemoration, marking the fortieth day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (pbuh). Attendees reviewed the latest security and service preparations and explored ways to enhance coordination among security forces and supporting service agencies, ensuring the utmost protection and smooth movement for pilgrims arriving both from within Iraq and internationally. Discussions also covered strategies for maneuverability and endurance of security units.
Al-Mohammadawi issued several recommendations, such as organizing designated transportation areas to prevent congestion and overcrowding. He emphasized the importance of activating traffic and civil defense units along all routes, boosting emergency patrols for immediate support, and securing roads and key intersections during the pilgrimage period. There was also a focus on ensuring the safety of pilgrims during night-time movements.
He highlighted the major and central significance of the Arbaeen pilgrimage as a global mass event that embodies values of cohesion and giving. Al-Mohammadawi called for the combined efforts of all security and service agencies to present the occasion in a dignified manner, reflecting its significance to Muslims and its humanitarian and spiritual dimensions to the world.