Iraqi Airways has requested the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Pakistan to increase the frequency of flights during Muharram-ul-Haram due to a significant rise in travelers during this period.
Iraqi Airways emphasized the large number of pilgrims (zaireen) traveling to Iraq during Muharram-ul-Haram to visit religious sites. The CAA is currently considering this request.
In 2022, Pakistan and Iraq agreed to start a ferry service between Basra and Karachi to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq. This decision followed a meeting between the former interior minister Rana Sanaullah and Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta.
In other developments, the two countries recently signed a landmark defense agreement in Baghdad to enhance defense cooperation.
Under this agreement, Pakistan will supply twelve MFI-Mushaq trainer aircraft and twelve JF-Thunder Block III fighter jets to the Iraqi Air Force.
According to credible sources in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the $1.8 billion deal was finalized during discussions between Pakistan Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, and officials from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
