The Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed the death of 35 Pakistani pilgrims during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. According to Abdul Wahab Soomro, Director General of the Pakistan Hajj Mission, the deaths occurred in various locations with 20 in Makkah, 6 in Madinah, 4 in Mina, 3 in Arafat, and 2 in Muzdalifah.
Abdul Wahab Soomro reported that the death rate among Pakistani pilgrims this year was lower compared to the previous year. The deceased have been respectfully buried in the Al-Sharia cemetery and Jannat-ul-Baqi in Makkah.
Addressing allegations circulating on social media about pilgrims being left unattended, Soomro refuted these claims as baseless. “We rely on information from the Saudi government and verify it ourselves,” he stated.
The extreme heat in Saudi Arabia has claimed the lives of 920 pilgrims, including 600 Egyptians, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by pilgrims.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs detailed the procedure followed upon the death of any pilgrim. Notification is given under the Saudi government’s system, and permission for burial is sought from the heirs. This is followed by a ritual bath and a funeral prayer in Haramain. If the heirs wish, arrangements can be made to repatriate the body to Pakistan.
The Ministry emphasized the cooperation of the Saudi government in these matters, ensuring the dignity and respect of the deceased are upheld.
