Prime Minister Al-Sudani will meet with the Shiite Coordination Framework to amend the PMF Service and Retirement Law, intending to safeguard members’ rights and ensure PMF operates free from political interference. The amendments are crucial for the PMF’s future and aim to reduce political disputes that have paralyzed parliament.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is set to convene with leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework to discuss potential amendments to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Service and Retirement Law. As confirmed by a Framework member, the discussions will aim to modify critical provisions to “retain senior PMF commanders, safeguard members’ rights, and establish clear criteria for ranks and leadership positions.”
The planned changes also aspire to reconstitute the PMF as a security entity directly under the prime minister’s control, thereby insulating it from political and personal influences in military affairs. The Framework member stated, “The goal is to ensure the PMF remains a professional security force, independent of political manoeuvring, while safeguarding the rights of its fighters.”
A senior Coordination Framework member further emphasized the importance of these amendments, asserting that they are crucial for the PMF’s future and its stabilizing role within Iraq, stating, “We want to ensure the PMF operates under clear, unified leadership without external pressures.”
Political disputes concerning the PMF law have intensified, leading to a stalemate within Iraq’s parliament, where lawmakers have boycotted several sessions, thwarting quorum and delaying significant legislative actions. To mitigate these tensions and avert further legislative impasses, Prime Minister Al-Sudani has opted to withdraw the PMF law from parliamentary consideration.
As a strategic move, the Coordination Framework is now assessing the feasibility of passing the PMF law as part of a comprehensive legislative package. Kurdish parties have indicated their support is contingent upon the approval of laws related to Halabja, oil, and gas, while Sunni factions condition their backing on the enactment of de-Baathification legislation.
In summary, the ongoing discussions regarding the PMF law aim to address significant issues surrounding the PMF’s autonomy, political influence, and financial management. Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s withdrawal of the law from parliament indicates a desire to foster greater cohesion among political factions, aiming to ensure the PMF operates effectively as a stabilizing force in Iraq while maintaining rights for its members.
Original Source: shafaq.com
