Hundreds of Pakistani pilgrims from Sindh feel completely stuck and helpless right now. Around 200 faithful from Hala, Matiari and other towns in the province have waited five long days at Medina airport after their Karachi-bound PIA flight got cancelled again. On Wednesday they came out in protest, raising their voices for someone to listen.
Sick passengers run out of medicine
Many among them are patients who already suffer from health issues. Now they face a serious shortage of medicines as the days drag on. They look tired and worried, sitting with their bags, wondering when they will see their families again. The group has sent a clear appeal to the Pakistan government: please talk to the Saudi authorities and arrange our safe return home as soon as possible.
They went for Umrah or Ziarat with happy hearts, but now repeated flight cancellations have turned their journey into a nightmare. PIA has not given them any firm new date, and every delay adds to their problems. Some elderly pilgrims and those with medical conditions feel the strain the most.
Call for quick government action
These stranded Pakistanis want the government to step in urgently. They request Pakistani officials to contact Saudi Arabia and find alternative flights or special arrangements so everyone can get back safely.
Regional tensions have hit air travel hard across the Middle East these days, causing many such disruptions. Still, people expect their government to support its citizens caught in the mess. So far no official word has come on any special flight or help plan for this particular group from Medina.
The protesters hope their voices reach Islamabad quickly. They simply want to pack up and head home after completing their religious journey. For now, they keep waiting and praying that help arrives before their situation gets any worse.
