Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Iraq return to Karachi from Baghdad airport

Pakistani pilgrims who were stranded for several hours at Baghdad airport have arrived at Karachi airport.

The pilgrims arrived in Karachi aboard Iraqi Airways flight IA 2431, which landed at Karachi airport at 6:15 AM today.

Among the returning pilgrims is the renowned Nohaykhwan Shahid Hussain Baltistani.

It is worth noting that the Pakistani ambassador in Iraq had stated that out of 600 pilgrims, 320 would arrive today, and the same flight would return to pick up the remaining pilgrims.

Over 300 of the stranded Pakistani pilgrims arrived in Karachi this morning, with the arrival of the remaining pilgrims expected soon.

The affected Pakistanis said they were not being informed about when or how they would be able to travel. "We have been sitting hungry and thirsty at the airport, and no one is addressing our concerns," one pilgrim said.

A female pilgrim stated, "Our flight left for Islamabad, leaving us behind in Baghdad. The administration cannot find our passports." She added that Iraqi staff at Baghdad Airport had taken their passports upon arrival in Iraq.

More than 21 million Muslim pilgrims took part in the 'Arbaeen' pilgrimage in Iraq this year, which reached its peak on last Sunday with attendees displaying their support for Gaza.

'Arbaeen', which means forty in Arabic, marks the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In recent days, a series of tragic road accidents have severely impacted Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iraq for the Arbaeen commemoration. Over the past week, multiple incidents have occurred, underscoring the dangers faced by these travelers.

On Sunday, two separate bus accidents resulted in 37 fatalities. In one incident near Azad Pattan, a bus plunged into a ravine, killing all 25 passengers.

Another accident involved a bus carrying 51 Pakistani pilgrims in central Iran, which overturned and caught fire near Yazd, resulting in at least 32 deaths.

The crash was attributed to brake failure and road conditions, with ongoing efforts by both Iranian and Pakistani authorities to repatriate the bodies and assist the injured.

Another bus carrying pilgrims from Iran plunged into a ravine on the Makran Coastal Highway, killing 12 and injuring 35.

This accident was due to brake failure and occurred just days after another incident in Iran.