KARACHI:
More than 450 Pakistani pilgrims remain stranded in Iraq’s Karbala as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt regional air travel, leaving many without adequate resources or assistance.
With Iraqi airspace closed since the 9th of Ramazan, the pilgrims have been unable to return home, triggering growing concern among families and raising questions over the response of Pakistani authorities.
While some individuals have managed to find alternate routes out of the country, hundreds, including women, children and the elderly, remain stuck under increasingly difficult conditions.
According to details, over 450 pilgrims are still stranded in Karbala due to the suspension of flight operations.
Around 50 pilgrims have managed to return to Pakistan by obtaining Umrah visas and travelling via Saudi Arabia.
Others, who had access to additional funds, attempted overland journeys, travelling from Iraq to Iran by road via Jordan, before eventually making their way back.
However, a large number of pilgrims continue to face severe hardship. One of the stranded pilgrims, Zaigham Abbas, told Express News that many are running out of money, making it increasingly difficult to purchase basic necessities such as food and medicines.
He said several elderly pilgrims, already unwell, are in worsening condition due to the lack of medical supplies.
“Some of the stranded pilgrims had additional funds, which allowed them to travel from Iraq to Iran by road, while others took a route via Jordan and eventually managed to reach Pakistan,” he explained.
The pilgrims have also expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of response from Pakistani diplomatic missions. According to Abbas, neither the Pakistani consulate nor embassy officials have established contact with those stranded.
He further alleged that the diplomatic staff had shown little interest in facilitating their return, leaving many pilgrims to fend for themselves amid deteriorating conditions.
The stranded pilgrims have appealed to the government of Pakistan to intervene urgently and ensure their safe repatriation.
