At least 35 Pakistanis have lost their lives while performing Hajj this year due to extreme weather conditions, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed on Thursday.
According to an AFP report, over 900 pilgrims have died during Hajj, with scorching temperatures and heat exhaustion being major factors in the fatalities.
Deaths have been reported from several countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, India, Jordan, Indonesia, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, and Iraq.
Abdul Wahab Soomro, Director General of Pakistan’s Hajj Mission, stated that as of 4 pm on June 18, a total of 35 Pakistani deaths had been reported—20 in Makkah, six in Madina, four in Mina, three in Arafat, and two in Muzdalifah.
“This was a tough Hajj due to temperatures reaching 50°C,” Soomro said.
Soomro also dismissed social media claims that pilgrims were left “helpless.” He emphasized, “We trust the Saudi government’s information and confirm it ourselves whenever there’s a death. We are informed.”
The ministry added that under Saudi government rules, they seek permission from the heirs for burial. “After bathing the body, funeral prayers are offered here, and burial takes place in Saudi Arabia.” If the family wants the body returned, arrangements are made to send it to Pakistan.
Media reports indicate that friends and family of missing Hajj pilgrims are searching hospitals and pleading online for news, fearing the worst.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for all Muslims with the means to complete it at least once in their lifetime. Its timing is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, causing it to shift forward each year in the Gregorian calendar.
In recent years, the predominantly outdoor rituals have occurred during the sweltering Saudi summer.
