Iraq has announced an investigation into the disappearance of thousands of Pakistanis who had entered the country to visit religious shrines during the month of Muharram. A Pakistani minister made a shocking announcement stating that 50,000 of his countrymen are missing in Iraq, prompting the Baghdad government to quickly launch an inquiry into their disappearance during religious visits. Pakistani newspaper "Umma" reported that Minister for Religious Affairs, Chaudhry Hussain, indicated that a large number of Pakistani visitors had gone missing in Iraq over the past years.
The minister noted that the Islamabad government is taking steps to verify the identities of individuals traveling abroad through illegal means. The Permanent Committee for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in the Pakistani parliament was informed that approximately 50,000 Pakistani visitors have gone missing in Iraq to date. As a result, the committee proposed a "new policy for trips to sacred sites in various countries," including Iraq, which has been sent to the federal cabinet for approval.
Additionally, Pakistani newspaper "Akhbar al-Alam" revealed that "passports of Pakistanis are being collected and withheld at border crossings by Iraqis before they join convoys divided into 136 groups."
**Iraqi Concerns**
Social media is abuzz with various comments, ranging from sarcastic to outraged, fueling discussions about the issue of illegal labor in the country. Iraqi politician Mushan Al-Jubouri wrote on the platform "X" that the Pakistani minister's announcement requires a response from the Iraqi government due to the potential risks these individuals pose to security and their impact on the labor market. This statement coincided with an announcement by the Iraqi police regarding the arrest of six Pakistanis in a Baghdad area for engaging in theft.
Military intelligence recently announced the dismantling of a kidnapping and extortion gang composed of nine Pakistanis in the al-Shaab area of Baghdad, revealing that they kidnapped foreigners and demanded ransom. In a press statement, intelligence indicated that, following the necessary judicial approvals, Baghdad's intelligence and security directorate managed to apprehend a gang specialized in kidnapping and extortion, consisting of nine Pakistani suspects, who were targeting individuals from other nationalities for financial gain. They have been referred to the relevant authorities for further investigation.
**Iraq Investigates**
In an initial government response, Iraqi Minister of Labor Ahmed Al-Assadi expressed concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in the country, emphasizing that his ministry would investigate the disappearance of thousands of Pakistanis in Iraq, and that this issue would receive appropriate legal scrutiny. Al-Assadi stated in a press release that "Iraq has witnessed an influx of tourists from various countries in recent days, including Pakistanis, but many have started engaging in the labor market without the required legal permits."
The minister explained that "this phenomenon negatively affects the national economy and the competitiveness of the labor market," asserting that "the ministry will not hesitate to take the necessary legal action against violators." He emphasized the need for cooperation among relevant authorities to ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding foreign labor in the country. The minister confirmed that "Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether for religious reasons or otherwise, from around the world, but emphasizes the importance of respecting local laws and regulations."
Every year, during the month of Muharram, millions of Shia Muslim visitors from Iraq and abroad flock to the religious shrines in Najaf and Karbala, with local security authorities estimating their number to be around 20 million, including five million from different countries. Iraqi authorities typically provide these visitors with facilitation measures for entry through easy visa procedures.
**Arrests Campaign**
In a subsequent development, Iraqi police announced that dozens of Pakistanis have been arrested in various cities, apparently among those who went missing during their visits to religious shrines. According to a source in the Iraqi police, 33 Pakistanis lacking official entry visas were apprehended inside the shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Kilani in central Baghdad. In Babil province, a local security source indicated that security forces arrested 47 Pakistani individuals for violating residency conditions, without providing further details.
