Director General of Pakistan’s Haj Mission, Abdul Wahab Soomro, provided details stating that by 4 pm on June 18, the reported Pakistani deaths included 20 in Makkah, six in Madina, four in Mina, three in Arafat, and two in Muzdalifah. He emphasized that the Hajj this year was particularly challenging due to temperatures reaching up to 50°C.
Soomro dismissed claims circulating on social media about pilgrims being left without assistance, affirming that they rely on information from the Saudi government and verify deaths independently. He mentioned that under Saudi rules, permission is sought from the deceased’s heirs for burial, and funeral rites are performed locally. If families prefer repatriation, arrangements are made to transport the body back to Pakistan.
Concern has risen among relatives and friends of missing pilgrims who are searching hospitals and using social media platforms to seek information and support.
The timing of Hajj varies annually according to the Islamic lunar calendar, with rituals often occurring during the intense heat of the Saudi Arabian summer in recent years.