This is the second tragic incident in less than a week involving Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq for the Arbaeen commemoration.
Every year, a significant number of Pakistani pilgrims travel to Iran and Iraq for religious purposes. Reports indicate that around 15,000 to 25,000 Pakistanis make this journey annually. This large number reflects the deep religious commitment and importance of these pilgrimages within the Pakistani community.
However, this sacred journey has not been without tragedy. In 2011, a tragic bus crash in Iraq involving Pakistani pilgrims led to the deaths of 8 individuals. The accident occurred on a remote and poorly maintained road, highlighting the risks associated with pilgrim transportation in less secure areas. In 2013, another serious incident occurred when a road accident claimed the lives of 10 Pakistanis traveling to Iran. The 2009 tragedy saw 15 Pakistanis die in a major accident. The incident, which involved a collision on a hazardous route, emphasized the need for improved safety protocols and better conditions for those undertaking these journeys. In 2014, a similar tragedy struck when an accident resulted in the deaths of 12 Pakistanis.
In 2024, 28 Pakistani pilgrims lost their lives in a road accident, and 23 others were injured. The injured victims were transported to nearby hospitals. The accident was attributed to a defective braking system. On Friday night, the bodies of 28 deceased pilgrims were flown back to Pakistan via a special flight.
Second Accident In A Week
On Sunday night, a bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims collided with a truck in southern Iran, resulting in at least three deaths and 48 injuries. The pilgrims were en route to Iraq for the Arbaeen commemoration, which marks the 40th day of mourning for Imam Husain.
The crash happened on the main road between Neyriz city in Fars province and Sirjan in Kerman province. Colonel Abdol Hashem Dehghani reported that the accident resulted from a technical failure in the bus’s braking system and the driver’s inability to control the vehicle.
According to Iran’s Mehr News Urdu, four Pakistani pilgrims died, and 30 others sustained injuries. This crash is the second major road incident involving Pakistani pilgrims within a week, following a deadly accident in Yazd city that killed 28 people.
Official figures show that 22 million pilgrims attended Arbaeen last year. By August 19 of this year, around 25,000 Pakistani pilgrims had entered Iran on their way to Karbala.
Three of the deceased and one injured individual were from Karachi. Officials stated that their bodies are being transported via air ambulance.
These repeated tragedies have heightened concerns about the safety and security of Pakistani pilgrims. The ongoing frequency of such incidents highlights the urgent need for better safety measures and improved protocols. It is crucial to implement robust safety systems and preventive measures to protect travelers and avoid future tragedies.
News Source: Dawn, Express Tribune & Al Jazeera.
