ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that nine Pakistani pilgrims have passed away during the ongoing Hajj. The ministry has also urged citizens to disregard ‘rumours’ circulating on social media about the casualty figures.
A significant number of Hajj pilgrims have succumbed to the extreme heat this season, with AFP reporting 577 deaths as of Wednesday. Earlier reports had claimed over 1,500 fatalities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Pakistani ministry urged the public to rely on credible sources for accurate information regarding the Hajj pilgrimage, amidst concerns about the spread of fake news on social media.
The ministry specifically addressed unfounded rumors circulating online regarding the welfare of Pakistani pilgrims, particularly allegations of abandonment during the Mina encampment. Director General (DG) Hajj, Abdul Wahab Soomro, categorically denied these claims, stating that the Ministry relies on verified information provided by the Saudi government.
Soomro confirmed that as of 4 PM on June 18th, nine Pakistani pilgrims had passed away during Hajj: four in Mina, three in Arafat, and two in Muzdalifah. He attributed the challenging conditions to the extreme heat, with temperatures reaching nearly 50 degrees Celsius.
The Pakistan Hajj Mission remains vigilant during Mashair days, ensuring the comfort and safety of pilgrims. The Ministry emphasized that they are promptly notified of any Hajj-related deaths and that the Saudi government has a well-established system for managing such situations.
Families of the deceased are contacted to obtain permission for burial, followed by a ritual washing and funeral prayer at the Holy Mosques. The bodies can also be transported back to Pakistan upon the family’s request, with the Saudi government cooperating in these arrangements.
The ministry continues to urge the public to avoid spreading misinformation and to rely on official sources for accurate information regarding the Hajj pilgrimage.
