Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi Chairs Meeting to Review the Implementation of the Arbaeen Plan and Directs the Continuation of Service Delivery and the Return Transport of Pilgrims ••••• Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chaired an expanded meeting last night, Monday, in the holy city of Karbala, attended by a number of 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). During the meeting, the Prime Minister affirmed that in this sacred part of our homeland—Karbala, the city of sacrifice, heroism, and martyrdom—all efforts had come together to serve the visitors of the Master of Martyrs. He noted that the smooth movement of the multimillion pilgrims reflected the successful implementation of the plans prepared in advance. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation and gratitude to everyone who contributed to serving the pilgrims, including the holy shrines, the Husseini procession organizers, and the volunteers. He also commended the efforts of the security and military forces and directed that preparations for next year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage begin immediately, with the relevant committees continuing their work. He further instructed that cleaning campaigns and the return transport of pilgrims continue until the last pilgrim reaches his or her hometown safely. The Prime Minister also received detailed reports on the various services provided to pilgrims throughout 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, covering transportation, healthcare, and other services that contributed to the success of the pilgrimage. The reports submitted by the officials highlighted the smooth transportation of more than 20 million pilgrims. Ministries, government entities, and governorates provided more than 10,000 transport vehicles, in addition to leasing approximately 3,000 large buses and private transport vehicles. The reports also noted the high level of coordination among the committees, which contributed to effectively addressing the various challenges encountered during the pilgrimage. ••••• Media Office of the Prime Minister August 4, 2026