Tehran, Aug 21: At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims were killed and another 23 injured in a bus accident in Iran’s Yazd city, Pakistan’s envoy to Tehran said on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassir Tipu, said in a post on X, “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. ”
Meanwhile, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, also confirmed the deaths of 28 Pakistanis in the accident, saying he was “extremely dejected to hear about the sad news,” Dawn reported.
Expressing grief over the accident, President Asif Ali Zardari directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring back the bodies of the dead and provide timely aid to the injured, reports said.
“The President expressed his regret over the loss of precious lives,” said a statement issued by his party, the Pakistan People’s Party, on social media platform X. He further prayed for the deceased.
According to Tipu, Pakistan’s embassy in Tehran is nearly 700 kilometers away from Yazd, from where embassy officials left on Wednesday, reports said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on X he was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives.”
Praying for the bereaved families and for the speedy recovery of the injured, PM Shehbaz said he has directed Pakistan’s Mission in Tehran to extend all possible assistance to the affected families.
Earlier, state-run Radio Pakistan reported that at least 35 Pakistani pilgrims died and another 15 were injured in the accident, Sputnik reported.
Quoting initial reports, Radio Pakistan said that the accident occurred due to the failure of the brakes of the bus.
“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.
(UNI)
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