PM Al-Sudani: keep ‘any instance of delay or shortcomings’ in Arbaeen services out of politics

BAGHDAD — As pilgrims travel to Karbala for Arbaeen, the Prime Minister’s Media Office said civil service and security agencies, along with volunteers and community groups, are “making tremendous efforts to provide services, facilitate the arrival of millions, and meet all their needs.”

Arbaeen marks the end of the 40-day mourning period after Ashura, the day Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The annual pilgrimage draws millions of visitors to Karbala.

The statement said all state institutions are “fully mobilized and honorably dedicated to providing services”, stressing that “any instance of delay or shortcomings in service delivery” should be kept away from politics.

Much of Iraq was without electricity on Monday and part of the night as scorching heat and heavy demand during the Arbaeen pilgrimage triggered a nationwide power outage, excluding the Kurdistan Region.

It was gradually restored overnight and into Tuesday morning.

Iraq’s Council of Ministers announced Sunday it will suspend official working hours on Thursday, Aug. 14, to mark the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

As we mark the Arbaeen anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, his companions, and his family (peace be upon them), our cities are witnessing broad public commemorations of this occasion, rich in meaning and rooted in historical authenticity.

With the increasing number of pilgrims heading to the holy city of Karbala from inside and outside Iraq, civil service and security agencies, along with volunteer and popular initiatives, are making tremendous efforts to provide services, facilitate the arrival of millions, and meet all their needs. These efforts reflect a shining image of national generosity, adherence to the principles of the Prophet’s Household (peace be upon them), and the deep-rooted traditions of our Iraqi people across all our dear provinces.

On this solemn occasion, we urge our citizens not to listen to the negative and malicious rumors aimed at distorting the positive and inspiring scenes witnessed during the Arbaeen commemoration of the Master of Martyrs.

All state institutions are fully mobilized and honorably dedicated to providing services, fulfilling duties, and carrying out tasks under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, with the follow-up of the Higher Committee for Multimillion-Pilgrims Events, and all relevant entities. We emphasize the need to keep any instance of delay or shortcoming in service delivery away from political competition.

The Prime Minister affirms that unity in ensuring the success of the Arbaeen pilgrimage ceremonies and events reflects the lessons and values drawn from Imam Al-Hussein’s message and the history of Karbala, and serves as a source of pride for all Iraqis. The diligent work of all agencies, institutions, and community initiatives will continue to ensure the smooth and safe return of pilgrims by the will of Almighty God.