After years of persistent efforts, Iraq’s Parliament has officially approved Halabja’s provincial status, marking a significant milestone for Kurdish aspirations. President of PUK Bafel Talabani’s diplomatic negotiations with various political factions in Baghdad proved crucial, securing the majority support needed for this historic achievement that transforms Halabja into Iraq’s 19th province.
The Diplomatic Breakthrough
Bafel Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, played a decisive role in breaking the political deadlock that had stalled Halabja’s provincial recognition for years. An official source told correspondent of Kfuture.Media that, During his visit to Baghdad last week, Talabani conducted extensive meetings with various political parties and factions across Iraq’s political spectrum. His diplomatic initiative successfully mobilized the necessary parliamentary support after previous attempts had failed due to lack of quorum or political consensus.
Talabani’s approach focused on framing Halabja’s provincial status as both a matter of historical justice and administrative necessity. He emphasized how provincial status would provide greater resources and autonomy to a region that had suffered immensely during the chemical attack of 1988. According to parliamentary sources, Talabani’s personal involvement elevated the issue on the national agenda, convincing key political leaders to support the legislation despite previous reservations.
“The recognition of Halabja as a province fulfills our long-standing promise to its resilient people,” Talabani stated in his official message following the parliamentary approval. “This achievement reminds us of our shared destiny and history of sacrifice, while giving us hope that through unity we can better serve our people.”
A Historic Day for Kurdistan
Chro Hama Sharif, member of Iraq’s Council of Representatives from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, described the parliamentary session as “a historic day when Halabja became Iraq’s 19th province.” She congratulated the Kurdish people, particularly Halabja residents, pledging continued service to the area.
The parliamentary vote represents the culmination of a decade-long effort that began on March 13, 2014, when the Kurdistan Regional Government officially designated Halabja as Kurdistan’s fourth province alongside Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk.
Badriya Hussein, another PUK representative in Iraq’s parliament, highlighted the united effort of Kurdish parliamentary blocs that secured the necessary votes. “Through the combined efforts of PUK and all Kurdish factions, we gathered the required support to establish Halabja as Iraq’s 19th province,” she told PUKMEDIA.
New Beginnings for a Symbolic City
Halabja province encompasses one district and four sub-districts: Sirwan, Khurmal, Byara, and Bamo, comprising 166 villages in total. The area holds profound symbolic importance for Kurdish identity due to its tragic history, particularly the 1988 chemical attack that killed thousands of civilians.
Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, issued a congratulatory message describing today as “a historic day for Halabja and its people, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s history.”
In his emotional message, Bafel Talabani emphasized that “Halabja represents hope for our future,” and referenced the guidance of the late President Jalal Talabani who insisted on prioritizing Halabja’s development. “Provincial status increases our responsibility,” Talabani noted, calling for unified efforts to develop projects serving Halabja’s residents.
Bryar Rashid, a PUK member of Iraq’s Council of Representatives, acknowledged the significance while noting, “The people of Halabja deserve greater service, and what we’ve accomplished is the minimum recognition of the enormous sacrifices made by its people.”
