Iraq's Planning Ministry Determines Halabja Boundaries

PUKMEDIA

Halabja Monument.

Iraq’s Ministry of Planning approved an official map delineating the boundaries of Halabja, formally recognised as Iraq’s 19th province following the passage of the Halabja Provincialisation Bill by the Iraqi Parliament on 14 April 2025. 

Karwan Yarwais, rapporteur of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) bloc in parliament, told PUKMEDIA: "The map-endorsed by Planning Minister Dr. Mohammed Tamim and relevant ministry departments-establishes Halabja town as the provincial capital and includes the sub-districts of Sirwan, Khurmal, Biara, and Bamo within the province’s jurisdiction."

Yarwais noted that, “The province’s external border is shared with the Islamic Republic of Iran, while its internal borders adjoin Sulaymaniyah and Diyala provinces.” He also highlighted that Khurmal remains classified as a sub-district in the official documentation, despite its elevation to district status by the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Halabja’s elevation to provincial status grants it administrative independence, budgetary authority, and a dedicated governance structure, marking a significant milestone after years of political negotiation and delays. The province, which was previously part of Sulaymaniyah, now becomes the fourth province within the Kurdistan Region and the nineteenth province of Iraq.



PUKMEDIA