Iraq Parliament withdraws Popular Mobilization retirement bill

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Parliament First Deputy Speaker Adnan Fehan said a retirement bill covering the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) has been withdrawn from Parliament, explaining that it contained an article giving the prime minister authority to extend the tenure of the PMF chief. Fehan said the provision conflicted with the rules of the Iraqi Retirement Authority and triggered debate that halted the legislative process. He added the bill cannot move forward without the article being removed, and that it was pulled back as a result. The withdrawal comes amid continued discussion in Iraq over the institutional status of the Popular Mobilization Forces and how their members' retirement arrangements are handled. No further details on a revised text or next legislative steps were immediately available.