Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, in cooperation with the Future Center for Strategic Studies, held a symposium to discuss the service and security plan for the commemoration of al-Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). The event also reviewed the key ongoing preparations to provide the best services for pilgrims arriving in the city of Karbala from within Iraq and abroad, in the presence of the representative of the Governor of holy Karbala, directors of service and security institutions, and representatives of the holy shrines.
Forum Head Ali Al-Talqani opened the symposium, emphasizing that the objective of convening these symposia is to bring together civil society organizations, government, service, and security departments, as well as religious institutions. This convergence aims to exchange perspectives, discuss plans for the multi-million-strong pilgrimages, address past complications, and avert potential problems. He added that the symposium achieved its objectives in outlining optimal services for pilgrims and securing the necessary security plans to protect them and their property, stressing the need to exert further effort and enhance cooperation among the competent authorities to ensure the success of the pilgrimage.
Adnan Al-Salhi, Director of the Future Center, moderated the session. He explained the significance of Karbala and its historical role in reviving the humanitarian message, noting the evolution in managing the mass pilgrimages post-2003 in terms of security and service organization. He emphasized the need to focus on security and transportation routes as the fundamental pillars of the pilgrimage.
For his part, Adel Al-Mousawi, Deputy Governor of Karbala for Financial Affairs, spoke about the sustainable planning strategy adopted by the local government to develop the multi-million-strong pilgrimages. He highlighted a focus on five primary plans: transportation, services, security, media, and the engagement of volunteers from within and outside Karbala. This strategy aims to manage the event optimally, particularly given expectations that pilgrim numbers will rise to approximately 50 million in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Hajj Fadhil Awz, representative of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain, stressed the necessity of establishing a dedicated committee to manage the mass pilgrimages in coordination with the Prime Minister's Office to ensure the effective resolution of complications. He pointed to the readiness of the two holy shrines and their cooperation with security apparatuses to monitor all developments.
Brigadier General Noor Badr Hassan Al-Noor, Director of the Karbala Traffic Directorate, also discussed his comprehensive traffic plan to absorb expected congestion during the pilgrimage. He affirmed his commitment to ensuring a seamless flow in pilgrim transportation in coordination with other security departments, while noting the directorate's need for additional logistical and human support to ensure operations run smoothly.
