Hundreds of Pakistani Citizens Stranded in Iraq

Hundreds of Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq for Arbaeen have been stranded at Baghdad Airport due to a shortage of available flights, with over 50 passports reportedly lost by airport staff.

According to Express News, men, women, and children have been stuck at the airport since 4 a.m., waiting for flights that have yet to be provided.

The stranded Pakistanis said they have not been informed about when or how they will be able to continue their journey. “We’ve been sitting hungry and thirsty at the airport since 4 a.m., and no one is addressing our concerns,” one pilgrim stated.

A female pilgrim added, “Our flight to Islamabad departed at 9 a.m., leaving us behind in Baghdad. The administration cannot locate our passports.” She mentioned that Iraqi staff at Baghdad Airport had taken their passports upon arrival in Iraq.

Pakistani citizens have appealed to the government for help in resolving the situation.

This year, more than 21 million Muslim pilgrims participated in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq, which reached its peak last Sunday, with many attendees showing 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).

Imam Hussain (AS) and his brother Abbas (AS) are buried in two massive mausoleums facing each other in Karbala.

Pilgrims express their sorrow, weeping and lamenting in memory of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), who was martyred in 680 A.D. during the Battle of Karbala.

This year’s pilgrimage also featured prominent displays of Palestinian flags by pilgrims amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.