Pakistani pilgrims stuck in Iraq returned home safely through two Iraqi airlines on Saturday, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

“The prime minister had directed the concerned authorities to ensure the immediate return of Pakistani pilgrims,” it said and added that Pakistan’s ambassador to Iraq immediately contacted the relevant Iraqi authorities and airline officials and resolved the issue “as soon as possible.”

As many as 654 Pakistani pilgrims were stranded at the Baghdad airport because of a technical fault with two aircraft of Iraq Airways, the Foreign Office said on Thursday.

A total of 358 Pakistani pilgrims who were stranded in Iraq due to flight issues returned to Pakistan on Saturday, with more expected to follow, Dawn reported earlier in the day while quoting a Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson.

Media reports showed the pilgrims arriving at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

The pilgrims had traveled to Iraq to participate in the Chelum commemoration, also known as Arbaeen, which honors the 40th day of mourning for Imam Husain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage saw over 21 million devotees in Iraq, reaching its peak on Sunday, with many attendees expressing solidarity with Gaza.

More to follow…