KARACHI: Majlis-i-Wahdatul Muslimeen Sindh chapter and operators of pilgrims’ caravans while addressing a joint press conference here today demanded the government must ensure “respectful return” of Pakistani pilgrims from Iran immediately, says a statement.

MWM provincial deputy secretary general Ali Hussain Naqvi, Allama Sadiq Jafari, Allama Mubashir Hasan and others addressed the media.

They condemned the “malicious propaganda” against pilgrims of Imam Raza’s holy shrine.

They reminded the media and state authorities that coronavirus originated from China while South Korea and Italy also remained most affected by the disease.

MWM leaders expressed solidarity with pilgrims and operators of pilgrimage caravans.

They also lamented that the Pakistan embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad are not playing a responsible role in helping Pakistani pilgrims.

MWM leaders said that Pakistani pilgrims are stuck in Iran because of suspension of direct flights and closure of Taftan border.

They demanded of the government to ensure respectful return of Pakistani pilgrims stuck in Iran.

They said “biased sectarian and selective measures” would not be tolerated on any pretext.

The MWM leaders demanded necessary facilities for all patients instead of creating “sense of fear [in] society.”

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2020