ISLAMABAD According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, at least 35 Pakistanis have died while doing the Hajj this year as a result of severe weather, as of Thursday.
An AFP count on Thursday revealed that over 1,000 people have died during this year’s Hajj, with over half of those victims being unregistered pilgrims who underwent the arduous journey in sweltering heat.
Egypt, Pakistan, India, Jordan, Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, and Iraq have all reported fatalities.
Abdul Wahab Soomro, the director general of Pakistan’s Hajj Mission, stated that as of June 18, at 4 p.m., 35 Pakistani fatalities had been reported, including 20 in Makkah, 6 in Madina, 4 in Mina, 3 in Arafat, and 2 in Muzdalifah.
“This was a tough Hajj because of the 50°C temperature,” the official stated.
Social media reports that Soomro left the pilgrims “helpless” were also refuted. “Whenever there is a death, we verify the information provided by the Saudi government and we also trust it.” We have knowledge.”
The ministry also stated that in accordance with Saudi government regulations, they must obtain the family’s heirs’ consent before burying someone.
“After bathing [the body], funeral prayers are offered here and burial takes place in Saudi Arabia.” It claimed that plans are in place to send the body to Pakistan in the event that the family wishes to have it returned.
According to media reports, worried about the worst, friends and family of missing Hajj pilgrims are reportedly seeking hospitals and pleading online for updates.
