ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, July 27: Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, has caused a stir by revealing that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years. The minister called on the Baghdad government to promptly investigate how these Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during Muharram, according to Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Minister Hussain stated that Islamabad is investigating how individuals have been traveling abroad through illegal means. The Permanent Committee for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments sparked mockery and condemnation on social media and reignited debates over illegal workers in the country. Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the Iraqi government to address Hussain’s comments, warning that they could impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s remarks coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft. Additionally, Iraqi military intelligence recently reported the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani gang involved in kidnapping and extortion in Baghdad, targeting foreigners for ransom.

Iraqi Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed concern and condemnation over the rising number of illegal workers in Iraq. He assured that his ministry would investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis and highlighted the recent influx of tourists, including Pakistanis, many of whom have taken up employment without the required legal permits.

"This phenomenon negatively impacts the national economy," Al-Asadi stated, emphasizing that the ministry would not be lenient in taking necessary legal measures against violators. He reiterated that Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether for religious visits or otherwise, but stressed the importance of respecting local laws and regulations.

Every year, millions of Shiites visit religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala, underscoring the significance of regulating and ensuring the safety of these pilgrimages.