Pakistani Pilgrims Begin Return Home from Iraq Amidst Airport Delays
Pakistani pilgrims stranded in Iraq are finally heading home as a flight carrying them touched down in Karachi early Saturday morning, bringing an end to their extended wait at Baghdad airport.
The Iraqi Airways flight IA-2431, which took off from Baghdad, landed in Karachi at 6:15 AM Pakistan time, offering a much-needed relief to the weary travelers who had been stuck at the airport for hours due to technical issues with two Iraqi Airways flights.
A Foreign Office spokesperson revealed that a total of 654 Pakistani pilgrims had faced delays. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, and the Pakistani Embassy in Iraq were all hands on deck, coordinating efforts to expedite their return.
“We’ve been in close contact with Iraqi authorities and Iraq Airways to facilitate the swift return of our pilgrims,” the spokesperson said. The deputy prime minister of Pakistan also issued directives to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected until they could safely return home.
During their unexpected layover in Baghdad, the Pakistani embassy stepped in to provide food and arrange temporary accommodations for the stranded pilgrims.
The Foreign Office confirmed that by the end of the day, all stranded pilgrims are expected to be back in Pakistan, marking a successful resolution to what could have been a far more challenging situation. This outcome underscores the effectiveness of diplomatic and governmental responses in addressing urgent needs.
