SUKKUR: Thousands of Shia Zaireen (pilgrims) hailing from Sukkur, Khairpur, Ghotki and other parts of Sindh are not being allowed to leave the Taftan border area for Quetta due to lack of security after having visited the holy shrines of Imams of Shia Islam in Iran and Iraq. They were being forced to stay at Pakistan House where they have to pay a handsome amount in terms of rent, one of the stranded pilgrims told us. The pilgrims said that they were stopped for security reasons. Shia pilgrims said that there was not enough food or drinking water hence they were suffering problems at Taftan border area. They urged the PM, President to play their due role to ensure that they are allowed to go to Quetta as Eid ul fitr is approaching and they want to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. Shia pilgrims have asked the government to order the security officials and provincial administrative officials to arrange a security convoy for them immediately so that they could reach their homes. Published in Daily Times, June 25th, 2017.