Sadr announces special committee to manage Najaf pilgrimage anniversary

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Shia National Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr announced the formation of a special committee to manage the Imam Ali pilgrimage visits in Najaf, held on the anniversary of the Prophet's death. According to a document issued by al-Sadr, the committee has been tasked with providing religious, security, social and logistical services to pilgrims. The document said the committee will follow a path of "caution" in its work and stated that its purpose is to serve religion, sect and the homeland. The organization of the commemorative events in the Hijri year 1448 has been transferred to the new body under al-Sadr's directive. The committee, composed of figures affiliated with the Sadrist movement, is expected to regulate the flow of visitors to Najaf and coordinate services during the high-demand period. No further details were immediately available on the committee's membership or operational timeline.