At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims died and another 23 were injured in a bus accident in Iran’s Yazd city, Pakistan’s envoy to Tehran said on Wednesday.
“In pursuit of their religious journey, 28 Pakistani zaireen laid down their lives last night in Yazd city in bus accident. Another 23 are injured,” Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu said in a post on X.
“I have no words to express grief but I can assure [you] that I will do my very best for repatriation of those who passed away […] and look after the injured ones,” Tipu added.
According to Tipu, embassy officials had in the morning already left for Yazd, which he said was almost 700 kilometres away from Pakistan’s embassy in Tehran.
“An officer in Zahedan is overseeing emergency arrangements,” the ambassador said, adding he was in contact with the Iranian government and the office of Yazd’s mayor for “crucial arrangements”.
“We thank Iran for extending excellent cooperation. We kindly request your support and patience in this hour of grief,” Tipu said.
Earlier, state-run Radio Pakistan reported that at least 35 Pakistani pilgrims died and another 15 were injured after a bus overturned at a checkpost in Yazd.
Quoting initial reports, Radio Pakistan said the accident occurred due to the failure of brakes.
The injured were taken to hospitals in Yazd, the report said, adding that most of the passengers belonged to Larkana, Ghotki and other cities of Sindh.
Condolences
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his grief over the accident, in a statement issued by his party PPP on social media platform X.
“The President expressed his regret over the loss of precious lives,” the statement said, adding that he prayed for the deceased.
The president also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to repatriate the dead, and provide timely aid to the injured.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he was gravely concerned for the welfare of those injured in the accident, and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
“I have given instructions to our Ambassador in Tehran to ascertain exact situation and provide swift medical relief and recovery services as well as arrange repatriation of dead bodies to Pakistan,” he said in a statement on social media platform X.
“Our embassy is in constant touch with authorities in Yazd city. We thank the Iranian Government for their assistance and help.”
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman also expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and injured. “May they find strength in this difficult time of bereavement,” she said in a statement on X.
