Pakistan today said that at least 300 of its nationals on pilgrimage in Iraq were stranded in the country due to suspension of flights by various airlines.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said that the stranded Pakistanis "went to Baghdad to participate in annual Urs of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani".
She said that Pakistan's mission informed the foreign ministry that "300 visitors" are stranded due to suspension of Etihad, Emirates, Air Dubai, Air Jordan and other airlines.
"Most of these Pakistanis were passengers of Etihad Airlines," she said.
The Pakistanis are currently staying at a complex of the shrine and are being provided reasonable accommodation and food.
Community Welfare Attache (CWA) of the Pakistan mission in Baghdad also visited them.
She said Pakistan was in touch with Etihad Airlines management who assured that these people would be sent back to Pakistan on priority basis.
