Iraq prepares PMF restructuring and retirement laws for parliamentary vote

The Iraqi Parliament is preparing to vote on new legislation regarding the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), focusing on its organizational structure, service regulations, and retirement benefits. The Iraqi Council of Ministers has already approved the draft law and referred it to the legislature for final parliamentary action.

Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee member Karim Al-Mahmoudawi stated that the laws concerning PMF structure and retirement are ready for voting. The committee has hosted PMF leadership to ensure the legislation includes essential provisions. While the PMF was legally recognized as an independent military formation under Law No. 40 of 2016, this new legislative push aims to further institutionalize the body.

The proposed changes include establishing an academy for the PMF and defining the specific conditions for the position of the PMF head. Discussions also center on whether these legal frameworks will assist in the broader national goal of consolidating arms under state control and ensuring the separation of military personnel from political and partisan affiliations.