Iraqi parliament awaits government bill on Popular Mobilization Forces

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's parliament is awaiting a government bill on the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) that could reach the legislature by the end of this month, a member of the Security and Defense Committee said. Lawmaker Mahmoud Falih al-Shimiri, in comments to the official gazette, said the draft legislation is expected to arrive in parliament in the coming days. Al-Shimiri described the PMF as an important security institution under the supreme commander of the armed forces, adding that a law is needed to regulate its work and clearly define its structure. He said parliament is prepared to move forward with the legislative process once the bill is submitted. Lawmakers also plan to host PMF officials at parliament to hear details of the draft and their views on the organization's structure. The talks are intended to prepare the draft for the legislative process. The expected legislation is designed to define the PMF's legal and administrative framework and safeguard the rights and entitlements of its members. It is also expected to anchor the force's position within the state's official security institutions.