Iraq resumes pension payments after delay chalked up to technical issues

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Finance on Friday announced the release of September pensions for civilian and military retirees, saying funds are now available through Rafidain and Rasheed banks as well as the National Pension Authority via digitial payment systems.

The ministry said the Accounting Department “has begun financing the pensions of civilian and military retirees for September,” and retirees who receive text notifications can collect their payments from bank branches or electronic outlets across the country.

Rasheed Bank confirmed it had lifted pensions, urging beneficiaries to visit its branches and payment centers. Rafidain Bank said it had also begun distributing pensions “through digitial payment tools,” allowing retirees to withdraw funds “from any location where they are present.”

The release followed a four-day delay that left nearly 3 million retirees waiting for payments normally due on the first of the month. On Thursday, the Finance Ministry attributed the holdup to technical problems in bank transfers and electronic systems, stressing it was “purely technical” and not related to liquidity.

The ministry rejected speculation of political motives or financial shortfalls, calling such claims “unjustified targeting of a national financial institution entrusted with managing public funds and ensuring the rights of employees and retirees.”