35 Pakistani pilgrims died during Hajj

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed a devastating toll on Pakistani pilgrims during this year’s Hajj, with at least 35 lives lost due to severe weather conditions, marking a somber chapter in the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

According to reports from the Ministry, the casualties were primarily attributed to scorching temperatures exceeding 50°C, which posed significant challenges during the rituals conducted in various holy sites. Director General of Pakistan’s Hajj Mission, Abdul Wahab Soomro, detailed that the fatalities occurred across multiple locations: 20 in Makkah, six in Madina, four in Mina, three in Arafat, and two in Muzdalifah.

“This Hajj season has been exceptionally tough due to the extreme heat,” noted Soomro, addressing concerns over the difficult conditions faced by pilgrims. He emphasized the Ministry’s reliance on official information provided by the Saudi government, ensuring transparency and accuracy in reporting incidents.

Meanwhile, the tragic outcomes were not limited to Pakistan alone. Reports indicate a total of over 900 pilgrims from various nations lost their lives during this year’s Hajj, underscoring the global impact of the adverse weather conditions. Countries such as Egypt, India, Jordan, Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, and Iraq have also reported fatalities among their respective pilgrims.

Under Saudi regulations, the Ministry clarified that protocols are in place for the respectful handling of deceased pilgrims. “Permission from the family is sought for burial, and arrangements are made according to their wishes,” a spokesperson affirmed. For those seeking repatriation of the deceased, procedures are in place to facilitate the return to their home countries.

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, draws millions of Muslims annually to the holy sites in Saudi Arabia. The timing of Hajj, determined by the lunar Islamic calendar, often coincides with the challenging conditions of the Saudi summer, posing health risks exacerbated by the intense heat.