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,” Tipu added.
Earlier, state-run Radio Pakistan reported that at least 35 Pakistani pilgrims died after a bus overturned at a checkpost in Yazd.
It also reported that 15 people have been injured in the accident, although DawnNews TV reported that 18 people have been injured.
The bus overturned owing to a brake failure, after which it caught fire.
A total of 53 passengers were on the bus, most of whom were from Larkana, Ghotki and other cities in Sindh, DawnNews TV reported.
The injured were taken to hospitals in Yazd.
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.
Pakistan
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