Hundreds of Pakistani pilgrims are stuck in Karbala with dwindling resources, as flight suspensions caused by regional conflict leave them struggling for food, medicine, and a way home.
According to reports, more than 450 Pakistani pilgrims are still stuck in Karbala due to the closure of Iraqi airspace since the 9th of Ramadan. Around 50 pilgrims have managed to return to Pakistan after obtaining Umrah visas for Saudi Arabia.
A pilgrim, Zaigham Abbas, while talking a local TV channel, said that some stranded pilgrims had to take a route from Iraq to Jordan via Al-Badriyah to arrive Pakistan. The group of Pakistani pilgrims includes women, children, and elderly individuals.
He added that many pilgrims have run out of money, making it difficult to buy food and medicines. Due to the lack of medical supplies, the condition of many elderly and ill pilgrims has worsened.
Officials from the Pakistani consulate and embassy have not contacted the pilgrims, and diplomatic staff appear uninterested in facilitating their return.
The stranded pilgrims have appealed to the Government of Pakistan for assistance in returning home.
