PUK Reaffirms Commitment to Coexistence and Pluralism in the Kurdistan Region

Reports 01:37 PM - 2025-11-02

PUK logo and list number.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), as one of the main political forces in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, has consistently emphasised the vitality of the principles of pluralism and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic and religious communities. The PUK’s vision is grounded in the belief that the Kurdistan Region belongs to all its peoples — including Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Yezidis, Kakais, and Christians, as well as followers of all other faiths and sects. This culture of coexistence is a legacy of President Mam Jalal, and President Bafel Jalal Talabani and the PUK remain fully committed to upholding and strengthening it.

PUK's Programmes for Social, Cultural, and Artistic Policy

The PUK views Iraq’s religious and sectarian diversity as a source of cultural richness and unity. Culture and art are central to identity and conscience.

Key measures include:

1. Promoting Culture and Heritage: Protect and promote culture, art, and heritage across Iraq, including initiatives for both women and men, in cities and rural areas.

2. Interfaith Dialogue: Respect multiple religions and rituals, support interfaith dialogue, and combat extremism and sectarianism.

3. Funding for Culture: Increase the budget of the Ministry of Culture and cultural institutions at the federal level, and allocate special funds for cultural projects in the Kurdistan Region and other cities.

4. Preserving Heritage Sites: Strive to preserve Iraq’s historical and cultural sites, including those listed as World Heritage Sites.

5. Supporting Artists: Provide financial and moral support to artists, writers, directors, and theatre professionals across Iraq.

6. Cultural Exchange: Encourage cultural exchange with other countries and promote the cultural wealth of Kurdistan and Iraq globally.

7. Diversity as Heritage: Preserve cultural, religious, and artistic diversity as a symbolic and integral part of the Iraqi people’s richness.

Cooperation and Respect for Diversity

Dr. Shilan Fathi, candidate number 24 on the PUK’s List 222 in the Kirkuk constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “By working together and respecting differences, we can build a bright future for the Kurdistan Region. The participation of all communities in political and administrative processes, and ensuring their representation in the Iraqi parliament, are steps the PUK strongly supports to guarantee fair and equal representation.”

She added that the PUK emphasises that there must be non-discriminatory access to public services, protection of the rights of ethnic and religious communities, and support for coexistence projects that strengthen unity within diversity.

Support for Cultural and Legislative Initiatives

Iman Abdulrazzaq, candidate number 1 on the PUK’s List 222 in the Duhok constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “To overcome the challenges to coexistence, laws and regulations must be drafted to guarantee the rights and protection of all communities and prohibit all forms of discrimination. It is also important to allocate special budgets for cultural projects that celebrate our diversity.”

She stressed the importance of involving representatives of all communities in the decision-making process, noting that this would reflect “a diverse and effective parliament in which every voice is heard.”

Referring to PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani’s recent remarks at the PUK carnival in Erbil, she said: “The President reaffirmed that the issue of minorities is not a matter of slogans and words, but one of principles and practical action.”

Diversity as a Strength

The PUK attaches great importance to protecting the rights of all communities — including their representation in parliament and government institutions, and the preservation of their languages, cultures, and identities. The party promotes tolerance and mutual respect, striving to make diversity a source of strength rather than division — an example of peaceful coexistence and social harmony that reflects the best of the Kurdistan Region.

The PUK is contesting the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections, scheduled for 11 November, across several governorates, presenting its candidates on an independent list numbered 222 in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah (including Halabja), Duhok, Kirkuk, and Diyala. In Nineveh Governorate, the PUK is running as part of the "Nineveh People’s Union Coalition" with number 281, while in Saladin it is fielding one candidate within the "National Masses Coalition" with number 240.

Overall, the PUK is entering the elections with 156 candidates: 36 in Sulaymaniyah, 30 in Erbil, 5 in Duhok, 24 in Kirkuk, 28 in Diyala, 31 in Nineveh within the Nineveh People’s Union Coalition, and one candidate each in Saladin and Baghdad.



PUKMEDIA