PUK's Eighth Preparatory Conference of the Second Forum Kicks Off in Kirkuk

P.U.K 11:27 AM - 2025-03-26

PUK's Eighth Preparatory Conference in Kirkuk.

The eighth preparatory conference for the second Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Forum recently commenced in Kirkuk, with participants from both Kirkuk and Saladin attending. 

A Call for Unity to Address Kirkuk’s Challenges

At the start of the conference, Karim Shkur, the PUK's organisational leader in Khurmatu, gave a speech where he remarked: "This conference is of significant importance for Kirkuk Governorate, as the PUK gives great attention to the province. Our goal is to identify the shortcomings and work together as one team to resolve the issues at hand." 

He went on to say: "We need to adopt a new policy to cope with recent changes and rise to the challenges and situations that are currently unfolding. Today, we are here to listen to the opinions and suggestions of all comrades and cadres regarding the PUK's policy and future directions."

Protecting Kirkuk’s Achievements and Shaping PUK’s Future

Aso Mamand, the PUK organisational leader in Kirkuk and Saladin, then addressed the conference: "We hope that our cadres will engage in this conference with enthusiasm and submit all their recommendations and proposals to the Supreme Committee of the second PUK Forum." He continued, "We urge the participating brothers to present proposals that serve the interests of the citizens and support youth, women, and all diverse groups." 

He further said: "Kirkuk Governorate and Khurmatu District endured a tough period, particularly when they were targeted by attacks from the ISIS terrorist organisation. However, thanks to the sacrifices of the Peshmerga forces and the people of Kirkuk and Khurmatu, we managed to repel the terrorists and eliminate their threat. This is a monumental historical victory. With the support of our beloved citizens, we confronted and defeated the terrorists."

He added: "The PUK never abandoned the people of Kirkuk and stood by them during their most challenging times. With the support of the citizens, we secured a significant victory in the provincial council elections and elected a Kurdish governor for Kirkuk, one who serves all citizens and communities without discrimination. Kirkuk is a city of coexistence, and it will remain so."

He concluded, "Today, we face considerable changes in the region, and we hope this conference will serve as a crucial step in providing opportunities for youth and women to present proposals and ideas that will strengthen party work and shape the future policy of the PUK. What has been achieved in Kirkuk is a victory for all of us, and we must collaborate to protect our accomplishments and serve all citizens fairly."

PUK is Committed to Kirkuk’s Development

Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha then gave a speech in which he stated: "The conference marks the beginning of a new political phase to adapt to the evolving reality in Kurdistan and Iraq." 

He continued: "The PUK aims to transform the views and suggestions of its members and supporters into a guiding framework for future policies and decision-making. One of the objectives of the forum is to reshape the party's operations to align with the needs of the current situation." 

He added: "We are committed to serving all communities and groups without discrimination, ensuring that services are provided across all areas of Kirkuk. From the moment we took on our responsibilities, we initiated a revolution in service provision, focusing on roads, electricity, water, and sanitation."

PUK’s Role in Shaping Kurdistan’s Future

Stran Abdullah, a member of the PUK's Leadership Council, then delivered a speech on behalf of the Supreme Committee of the Second Forum, stating: "This conference aims for continuous and lasting reform. Since its inception, the PUK has been at the forefront of the struggle, and now it is leading the fight to correct the course of governance, establish a balanced partnership, and form a government in the Kurdistan Region that prioritises the well-being of its citizens. We also have important responsibilities in Iraq, particularly with the upcoming parliamentary elections." 

He continued: "Just as the PUK is working to develop and improve Kirkuk and is responsible for governing the province, we must engage in dialogue on two fronts: the first is understanding the demands and tasks of this phase, and the second is developing and restructuring the party's institutions."



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