HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Prime Minister of Iraq had ordered to develop and expand the holy shrine of holy Prophet Muhammad (S)’s son-in-law, cousin and first infallible descendant Al-Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (S).

This was stated by Holy Najaf Governor, Assad Abu Kilal.

Talking to newsmen, Abu Kilal said major projects have been set up to reconstruct and develop Imam Ali (S)'s holy shrine and the holy city of Najaf.

He reiterated that the former regime of Iraq did not pay any attention to the city despite millions of pilgrims visiting the site.

Comparing holy cities of Makkah, Medina, Mashhad and Qom with those in Iraq, the Iraqi official said the Iraqi holy cities are deprived of necessary facilities for accommodating pilgrims.

There are projects for the development of other holy cities and shrines in Iraq aiming to expand the atmosphere of religious tourism in the country, the Najaf Governor added.