At least 450 Pakistani pilgrims are stranded in Karbala, Iraq, after the closure of Iraqi airspace due to rising tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States.
According to reports, flights have remained suspended since 9 Ramadan because of the airspace shutdown, leaving more than 450 Pakistani zaireen stuck and unable to return home.
Around 50 pilgrims who held Saudi Umrah visas have already managed to make their way back to Pakistan.
Some people who had enough money arranged their return by travelling through Iran by road, while others used routes through Jordan before finally reaching Pakistan.
The stranded group includes women, children and elderly individuals, many of whom are now facing serious difficulties in managing daily needs.
With their funds exhausted, several pilgrims are struggling to buy food and basic medicines. The situation is particularly worrying for elderly pilgrims, as their health has worsened due to a shortage of necessary medication.
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They have also said that there has been no response from the Pakistani embassy or the consulate in Iraq, adding that the diplomatic staff has not shown much effort in helping them return. The pilgrims have now appealed to the Government of Pakistan to arrange an urgent evacuation.
The ongoing Iran-Israel tensions, which have intensified in recent months, have caused instability across the region and led to the closure of airspace over Iraq, Iran and nearby areas. This has disrupted flight operations and affected air travel.
Recent reports indicate that thousands of international flights have been cancelled, while several airports, including those in Baghdad and Tehran, have been impacted by these disruptions.