The Pakistani government is actively coordinating with Iraqi authorities to repatriate 654 Pakistani pilgrims (zaireen) stranded at Baghdad Airport. The pilgrims, who had come to Iraq to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage, have been stuck due to a technical fault with two Iraq Airways aircraft. In response to the situation, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has instructed the Pakistani Ambassador in Baghdad to ensure the well-being of the stranded citizens and facilitate their return home. Meals and temporary accommodation have been provided by the embassy while arrangements for their repatriation are being made.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Aviation of Pakistan, along with the Embassy in Iraq, are working in close coordination with Iraqi authorities and Iraq Airways to expedite the repatriation process. The return flights are expected to commence tonight, with the first flight scheduled to take off from Baghdad at 10:00 p.m. local time (12:00 a.m. PST). The authorities are optimistic that all the pilgrims will be safely back in Pakistan by August 31, 2024.
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Challenges Faced by Stranded Pilgrims
The situation at Baghdad Airport has been distressing for many Pakistani pilgrims, who have been waiting since early Friday morning for their flights. Reports indicate that over 50 passports were misplaced by airport staff, further complicating their return. One pilgrim lamented, “We have been sitting hungry and thirsty at the airport since 4 a.m., and no one is addressing our concerns.” A female pilgrim expressed her frustration, stating, “Our flight left for Islamabad at 9 a.m., leaving us behind in Baghdad. The administration cannot find our passports.”
The Arbaeen pilgrims, including women and children, have appealed to the Pakistani government for immediate assistance to resolve their situation. These pilgrims are among the millions who traveled to Iraq this year to commemorate the Arbaeen pilgrimage, which marks the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS).
The Arbaeen Pilgrimage and Its Significance
The Arbaeen pilgrimage is one of the largest religious gatherings globally, with over 21 million pilgrims participating this year. The pilgrimage reached its peak last Sunday, with many attendees expressing their solidarity with Gaza by displaying Palestinian flags. The event commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was martyred in 680 A.D. in Karbala, Iraq.
Pilgrims journey to the holy city of Karbala to pay their respects at the mausoleums of Imam Hussain (AS) and his brother Abbas (AS). The pilgrimage is marked by intense displays of mourning, including weeping and wailing in memory of the martyrdom. This year’s Arbaeen has also been a platform for expressing support for the people of Gaza amid ongoing conflicts.
Despite the challenges, efforts by the Pakistani authorities have brought hope to the stranded pilgrims. As the government moves swiftly to bring back its citizens, the focus remains on ensuring a safe and speedy return for all. The first flight is set to take off tonight, promising a swift resolution to the ordeal faced by the Pakistani pilgrims in Baghdad.