Flight carrying Pakistani pilgrims from Iraq lands in Karachi

KARACHI: The Iraqi Airways flight IA-2431 transporting Pakistani pilgrims from Baghdad, Iraq landed in Karachi in early hours of Saturday.

The flight arrived at 6:15 am. It experienced a delay due to passengers being stranded at Baghdad for several hours.

Read more: Karachi: Cyclone Asna threatens as Sindh gov’t ramps up response effort

Over 50 Pakistani pilgrims were stranded at Baghdad Airport in Iraq due to a significant administrative issues involving their passports. The pilgrims had traveled to Iraq for the Chehlum and Arbaeen pilgrimages.

The Pakistani pilgrims faced several delays and problems on their return journey after their passports went missing.

Read more: Federal Minister: IPPs contracts cannot be unilaterally ended

According to sources, upon arriving at the Baghdad Airport, the pilgrims’ passports were collected by the Iraqi staff for processing. However, when the time came for them to board their flight to Islamabad, the passports could not be found.

The pilgrims’ scheduled flight was supposed to depart at 9 am but left without them due to missing passports. The situation left the pilgrims stranded at the airport.

Read more: Positive developments mark strong start for Pakistan’s economy in FY2025

To exacerbate the matter, the Pakistani pilgrims had been waiting at the airport by then for hours. They noted lack of information and assistance from the airport authorities in Iraq. The pilgrims were left without clear guidance on when or how they would be able to return home.