Hundreds of Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Iraq await return

KARACHI: Due to airspace closures amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, hundreds of Pakistani pilgrims have been stranded in Iraq, facing uncertainty over their return. Among them are women, the elderly, the sick, and children who have been waiting for days in cities like Najaf, Karbala, and Basra.

Speaking to Urdu News, Atifa Batool from Karachi said she had arrived in Iraq with a group of 13 for pilgrimage, but flights were suspended on June 12 due to rising hostilities between Iran and Israel.

“We thought it would only be a matter of a few days, but we soon found out that return flights had been cancelled. Everyone without a confirmed ticket is now stranded,” she explained.

According to her, “Many Pakistani pilgrims’ passports have been collected at Najaf airport and will only be returned when they present a confirmed return ticket.”

Batool added, “Basra airport is open now, but it takes six hours to get there. And without our passports, we can’t travel.”

Pilgrims are also facing financial difficulties, as most arrived in Iraq with limited cash, and many have now run out of money. Sending funds from Pakistan has proven challenging, forcing many to rely on local volunteers for food and shelter.

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Another pilgrim, Alqama, said, “We’re travelling with a woman who has heart stents and an elderly woman who depends on insulin—but her medicines have run out. We’ve been stuck in the same place for days, suffering from fever and exhaustion, just waiting for flights to resume so we can go home.”

He added that while local organisations and Pakistani volunteers are providing food and accommodation, the constant uncertainty has taken a toll on their mental health.

“Our families in Pakistan are extremely worried. They keep asking when we’ll return, but we have no answers to give.”

The stranded pilgrims have urged the Pakistani government to arrange special flights on an urgent basis, especially for the elderly, sick, and vulnerable.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani embassy in Iraq said that with the cooperation of Iraqi Airways, the repatriation of 415 Pakistani pilgrims has been successfully carried out.

In a statement, the embassy said, “Through close coordination with Iraqi Airways, the Pakistani Embassy in Baghdad facilitated the return of 415 Pakistanis—one special flight from Basra to Karachi and two from Basra to Islamabad.”

The statement added that authorities in Kuwait have also been approached to assist Pakistani travellers transiting through Kuwait and simplify arrangements. Additionally, temporary accommodation for 250 pilgrims has been arranged in Najaf with the help of a local organisation, including three meals a day.

According to the embassy, “A Pakistani official is stationed in Najaf round-the-clock to provide assistance, and help can be sought at +964 783 495 0311 in case of any emergency.”

A WhatsApp group was created at the onset of the crisis to stay in touch with the pilgrims and provide timely updates and support.

The statement concluded, “The embassy is in constant contact with local authorities to ensure the return of Pakistani passports and facilitate the dignified, safe, and orderly return of all citizens. All pilgrims are advised to be prepared to travel at short notice, as flights are ongoing.”