At least 35 Pakistani nationals heading to Iraq have died in a tragic bus accident in central Iran, according to official reports released on Wednesday.
Iranian state television confirmed that the bus, carrying Pakistani pilgrims, overturned and caught fire near the Dehshir Taft checkpoint in Yazd Province on Tuesday evening.
Initial investigations by Iranian traffic police revealed that the accident occurred late on Tuesday due to a mechanical failure in the bus's braking system.
The General Director of Crisis Management for the Yazd Province stated that the incident resulted in the deaths of 11 women and 17 men, with seven others in critical condition. Six of the injured have since been discharged from the hospital.
Pakistani consular services in Iran have been called to the region to oversee the ongoing procedures.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident involving Pakistani religious pilgrims near Yazd in Iran. My thoughts and sympathy are with the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover soon."
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the pilgrims were en route to Iraq to commemorate Arbaeen, an important Shia religious event marking the end of the mourning period for Imam Hussein.
Every year, millions of Shia Muslims from around the world travel to the Iraqi city of Karbala for this significant observance.
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