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.
According to Pakistan’s “Ummat” newspaper, as quoted by the Pakistani Minister of Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Hussain, about 50,000 Pakistani citizens have disappeared in Iraq over the past few years.
The Iraqi Minister of Labor, Ahmed al-Asadi, expressed his concern and disapproval of the rising number of illegal workers in the country, confirming that his ministry will investigate the disappearance of these Pakistanis and take appropriate legal actions. The Iraqi police also reported the arrest of several Pakistanis, who apparently disappeared during their visit to the religious shrines.
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.
Furthermore, the region has experienced problems with terrorism and sectarian violence, which could also complicate the safety of international pilgrims. Groups like ISIL-K have targeted religious minorities and gatherings, increasing the security concerns during high-profile religious observances like Muharram.
