Ministry confirms death of 35 Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj

ISLAMABAD: At least 35 Pakistani pilgrims died due to a heatwave during Hajj, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed.

Director General of the Hajj Mission of Pakistan Abdul Wahab Soomro said that temperatures reached 50 degrees Celsius in Saudi Arabia, making this year’s pilgrimage particularly challenging.

Soomro said that four Pakistani pilgrims died in Mina, three in Arafat and two in Muzdalifah, while 20 died in Makkah and six in Madinah.

He dismissed social media reports that pilgrims were left in the lurch by the Saudi authorities and Pakistani mission, stating that they rely on Saudi government information, which they verify later as well.

Also read: Soaring heat: at least 550 pilgrims died during Hajj

The official stated that upon a pilgrim’s death, their family is notified and permission is sought from heirs for burial under the Saudi system.

He said that deceased pilgrims are buried in the Haram after funeral prayers. He said that if heirs wished to bring the body to Pakistan, arrangements are made accordingly to bring the body to Pakistan.