The Iraqi Parliament on Monday approved a bill officially recognizing Halabja as Iraq's newest province, a move hailed as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the city's tragic history and the resilience of its people.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani welcomed the decision, extending his "warmest congratulations" to Halabja's residents, whom he described as "resilient and oppressed." In a statement, Barzani emphasized that the recognition serves as a symbolic tribute to the suffering endured by the city, particularly referencing the 1988 chemical attack by Saddam Hussein's regime, which killed thousands of civilians.

President Masoud Barzani's Message of Congratulations

In a separate statement, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader and former Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani expressed his appreciation for the decision, saying:

"In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Presidency of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, all parliamentary blocs, and the members of Parliament who played a positive role in voting on the bill to elevate Halabja to a province."

Barzani praised the Kurdish blocs in Baghdad for their unity in securing the vote, stating:

"I commend the efforts of the Kurdish blocs in the Iraqi Parliament, who achieved this milestone for the people of Halabja and Kurdistan through unity and cooperation. I highly value the role of all those who diligently strived for this purpose."

He also congratulated the people of Halabja and all Kurds, expressing hope that the decision would lead to greater reconstruction and healing:

"I hope that the elevation of Halabja to provincial status will mark the beginning of further development and reconstruction for this sacrificing region of Kurdistan, as well as healing the wounds and pains of Halabja's people."

The former president also paid tribute to Halabja’s martyrs, saying:

"On this occasion, I send thousands of salutations to the souls of the righteous martyrs of Halabja and all the martyrs of Kurdistan, with my wishes for prosperity, happiness, and well-being for the people of Halabja and all Kurds."

A Long-Awaited Recognition

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reaffirmed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) commitment to honoring the sacrifices of Halabja’s martyrs and residents, pledging enhanced services not only for the newly established province but across the entire Kurdistan Region.

“The Kurdistan Regional Government, which always acknowledges its debt to the sacrifices made by the families of our proud martyrs, will continue to provide enhanced services to the people of Halabja and all other regions of Kurdistan,” Barzani stated.

Halabja’s elevation to provincial status has been a decades-long demand, with previous attempts stalled due to political and bureaucratic challenges in Baghdad. The Iraqi Parliament’s approval marks a historic milestone, addressing a key grievance of the city’s residents and solidifying its administrative independence.

The move is expected to unlock greater financial and developmental resources for Halabja, which has long sought improved infrastructure and public services. Observers see the decision as a step toward reinforcing national unity while acknowledging the Kurdish people’s historical struggles.

Local officials and activists celebrated the vote, calling it a victory for justice and recognition. Meanwhile, residents expressed hope that the new provincial status will bring tangible improvements to their daily lives while preserving the memory of those lost in the 1988 atrocity.

With the legal process now complete, attention turns to the implementation of Halabja’s provincial governance structure and the fulfillment of promises for enhanced development and services.