Baghdad, September 30, 2023 - In a significant development, the Iraqi Parliament has reconvened its sessions today, with the highly anticipated agenda item being the vote on establishing the province of Halabja. This crucial decision comes after multiple delays in previous parliamentary sessions.

The official agenda for today's session, as announced by the Parliament's media office, includes the reading and voting on several bills, with a key focus on addressing the tragic incident of the Hamdaniya fire.

Kawa Ali, Deputy Governor of Halabja, emphasized the importance of today's vote, stating, "Saturday is a highly sensitive day for Halabja. I urge the Kurdish blocs to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness, to avoid wasting time, and to recognize the significance of this historic vote."

Ali further noted, "All members of the Iraqi Parliament from the Kurdistan National Union Bloc are currently gathered in Sulaymaniyah for their party conference, and the duration of this conference has been extended. It is our hope that they prioritize their participation in the Parliament session and return to Baghdad promptly."

The Kurdistan Regional Government had initially announced in June 2013 its plans to create a new province with Halabja as its administrative center. This province would encompass the districts of Halabja, Sharbazher, Binguan, and Said Sadiq, all of which were previously administratively linked to Sulaymaniyah Province.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani announced on March 13, 2023, that the Parliament had given its approval for the establishment of the Halabja province, subsequently forwarding the bill for a final vote by the Parliament.

If the Iraqi Parliament approves the bill, Halabja will become the 19th province within Iraq and the fourth officially recognized within the Kurdistan Region, following Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk. This transformation holds significant promise for the region, as it is expected to expedite the process of reconstruction and the development of essential infrastructure and services. These improvements are much-needed, given the enduring challenges stemming from events that transpired more than three decades ago.

This pivotal parliamentary session will have far-reaching implications for the residents of Halabja, as well as for the broader political landscape of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The outcome of today's vote is eagerly anticipated and will undoubtedly shape the region's future trajectory.