PUK Pushes for Resolution to Kurdistan Salary Crisis Amid Ongoing Dispute with Baghdad

P.U.K 11:05 AM - 2025-06-11

Iraqi parliament hall with PUK logo.

The financial dispute between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government persists, following the latter's decision to suspend salary disbursements. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) is actively seeking a permanent resolution to the matter.

President Bafel Jalal Talabani: I Will Go to Baghdad

Speaking at a ceremony at Sulaymaniyah International Stadium to mark the 50th anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of the founding of the PUK, President Bafel stated: “No one but the PUK can rectify the mistakes made by others, and it is unjust for our people to bear the consequences of certain political statements.”

He said, “We are determined to settle the issue of salaries in Kurdistan, and I am prepared to travel to Baghdad if required.”

He revealed he had spoken by telephone with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and affirmed his ongoing efforts to find a resolution.

“We believe dialogue and mutual understanding between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad are essential to resolving these issues,” he stressed.

PUK Committed to Addressing Salary Crisis

MP Sabah Habib told PUKMEDIA that the PUK is consistently working to resolve the financial disagreements between the KRG and the federal authorities.

He commented: “It is unacceptable for employees' livelihoods and salaries to be withheld over technicalities. Our bloc has formally requested a parliamentary session to discuss the federal government's decision to halt payments to Kurdistani employees.”

President Bafel’s Active Role in Seeking Resolution

MP Habib further highlighted that the PUK President has been committed to addressing these longstanding issues for some time.

He said: “President Bafel has decided to travel to Baghdad to engage directly with federal officials in order to achieve a lasting and comprehensive resolution to the salary payment crisis. If the matter remains unresolved, it will have adverse consequences for both the governments.”

Urgent Parliamentary Session Requested

MP Habib stated: “Although the Iraqi parliament is currently in recess, our bloc has formally requested an emergency session of the parliament to devise a final solution to the recurring delays in employee salary payments.”

He added: “There is a growing call from both domestic and international parties for the issue to be resolved through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding. We are working to convene a parliamentary session in the near future.”



PUKMEDIA