Iraqi President: Halabja Recognition as Governorate is Pivotal National Achievement

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid with PUK Bloc Leader Harem Kamal Agha.

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid hailed the Iraqi Parliament’s formal recognition of Halabja as a governorate as a “pivotal national achievement,” calling it a powerful affirmation of the state’s commitment to justice, constitutional values and fairness for the victims of past atrocities.

The President made his remarks during a meeting at Baghdad Palace with Harem Kamal Agha, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) parliamentary bloc on Tuesday, 15 April 2025.

President Rashid emphasised that the Presidency played an active role in advancing the legislation, engaging with political forces across the spectrum to ensure the bill’s passage.

“We worked closely with all stakeholders to accelerate the recognition of Halabja—not only as a rightful demand of its people, but as a moral duty to honor the memory of its martyrs,” he stated.

He also stressed the need for the swift and effective implementation of the decision, urging that “all remaining legal and administrative steps be completed without delay to operationalise Halabja’s new status as a governorate.”

The discussion also touched on broader national priorities, with both sides highlighting the importance of continued political cooperation to strengthen national stability, advance development and pass legislation aligned with the needs and hopes of the Iraqi people.

Harem Kamal Agha expressed his gratitude for the President’s support for Halabja, reaffirming the PUK bloc’s commitment to working with all political partners to promote unity, inclusion and shared progress.



PUKMEDIA - Iraqi Presidency