Islamabad: A devastating bus crash in Iran’s Yazd city resulted in the deaths of at least 28 Pakistani pilgrims and left 23 others injured, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran confirmed on Wednesday.
The bus, carrying Pakistani pilgrims en route to Iraq for the Arbaeen commemoration, overturned at the Dehshir-Taftan checkpoint late Tuesday night and caught fire. According to Iranian state news, 14 of the injured are in critical condition, with six having been discharged and the rest receiving treatment at various hospitals in Abarkuh, Taft, and Yazd.
The deceased included 11 women and 17 men. Iran’s Yazd Governorate, in coordination with the foreign ministry, is arranging an aircraft to repatriate the bodies and injured individuals to Pakistan.
Government Response and Aid Efforts
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) has activated its Crisis Management Unit to assist with the repatriation and medical aid. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has instructed Pakistan’s Consul in Zahidan to coordinate with local authorities to manage the situation and ensure timely support for the victims.
Ambassador Mudassir Tipu has expressed deep grief and assured that efforts are underway to manage the situation, including arranging for embassy officials to travel to Yazd and working with Iranian authorities to expedite recovery and repatriation processes.
Iranian authorities, including Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, have extended condolences and are cooperating to facilitate medical care and repatriation.
Condolences and Support
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their sorrow and instructed relevant authorities to provide aid to the victims’ families and ensure the repatriation of the deceased. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, where many of the pilgrims were from, has directed provincial officials to assist affected families and expedite the return of the bodies.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman also conveyed her condolences, urging support for the bereaved families during this difficult time.
