The Iraqi Foreign Ministry has addressed recent media claims concerning the disappearance of 50,000 Pakistanis in Iraq. In a statement published on its official Facebook page, the ministry referred to its engagement with the Pakistani side, specifically through discussions with Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
Hussain clarified that there was a miscommunication regarding the statements he made, which were mistakenly reported. The ministry emphasized that the allegations about the disappearance of 50,000 Pakistanis are unfounded and announced that the Pakistani side intends to summon the media outlet responsible for the inaccurate report to investigate the matter further.
Iraq announced on Friday that it has initiated an investigation into the disappearance of thousands of Pakistanis who had entered the country to visit religious shrines during the month of Muharram.
The month of Muharram, particularly the 10th day known as Ashura, is significant in the Shiite Muslim calendar as it marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at the Battle of Karbala. This event draws millions of Shiite pilgrims annually to the cities of Karbala and Najaf in Iraq. During this period, large crowds can complicate security and logistics, increasing the risk of incidents and disappearances. Moreover, the disappearance of such a large number of Pakistanis visiting religious sites could be indicative of broader issues such as illegal immigration and the exploitation of religious pilgrims for labor or other illegal activities.
The issue of disappearances is particularly sensitive in Iraq, given the country’s long history with such incidents, often related to political and sectarian violence. The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances has called for Iraq to make enforced disappearances a distinct crime and to develop a comprehensive strategy to address and rectify these issues. This context underscores the significance of clarifying such high-stakes miscommunications.
