35 Pakistani pilgrims died in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh: The Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed the death of 35 Pakistani pilgrims.

According to Director General (DG) Hajj Mission Abdul Wahab Soomro, nine Pakistanis died in Mushaira, four in Mina, three in Arafat and two in Muzdalifah till 4:00pm on June 18.

DG Hajj said that 20 Pakistani pilgrims died in Makkah and six in Madinah. It was a difficult Hajj due to the temperature of 50 degrees. The allegations on social media of leaving the pilgrims helpless are baseless. We rely on the information provided by the Saudi government and later verify it ourselves.

Abdul Wahab Soomro stated: “We are notified in case of death of any pilgrim. The Saudi government has established a system under which permission is sought from the heirs for a regular burial. After which they perform a bath and funeral prayers in the Harmain and burial is done or arrangements are made to bring the dead body of a pilgrim to Pakistan as per the wishes of the heirs”.

He added that the Saudi government cooperates with us in these matters.

It is pertinent to note that during the current Hajj season in Makkah, the number of pilgrims who died due to heat wave has reached 922.