PILGRIMS from Pakistan face an extr-emely difficult situation at Baghdad airport, especially on their journey to the holy shrines in Iraq to commemorate Arba’in. The pilgrims’ passports are held back by the Iraqi immigration authorities on arrival at the airport.

While departing back to Pakistan, many pilgrims face immense difficulties when the immigration officials simply inform them that their passports have gone missing. At times, it takes 24 to 48 hours until the passports are found and handed back to the pilgrims. Consequently, some pilgrims have to bear additional burden on account of missing their flights in the process. Besides, a lot of time is wasted to catch the next available flight.

Moreover, the general behaviour of Iraqi immigration and other relevant staff is highly derogatory towards Pakistani pilgrims. They often facilitate the locals and other passengers out of turn, letting them break queues, thus causing distress and disrespect to the Pakistani pilgrims and the country.

The Foreign Office in Islamabad should look into the issue seriously, and take up the matter with relevant Iraqi officials.

Faheem Abbas
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2024