Pakistani Hajj Pilgrims’ Death Toll Climbs to 58

The death toll of Pakistani hajj pilgrims has risen to 58. This comes as the global death toll from Hajj 2024 surpasses 1,000, with scorching temperatures in Saudi Arabia posing a significant health risk to pilgrims. The additional deaths have been confirmed in various locations throughout the pilgrimage, including Mecca, Madina, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

The extreme heat in Saudi Arabia has tragically claimed the lives of 58 Pakistani hajj pilgrims so far. Globally, the death toll has surpassed 1,000, as reported by AFP on Thursday. This year’s pilgrimage has been particularly challenging, with temperatures soaring to nearly 52 degrees Celsius.

On June 18, Pakistan’s Hajj Mission Director General, Abdul Wahab Soomro, reported 35 Pakistani deaths, which included 20 in Makkah, six in Madina, four in Mina, three in Arafat, and two in Muzdalifah.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs attributed the high death toll to the extreme heat, denying social media claims of negligence and emphasizing the role of Saudi authorities in providing verified information.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and directed officials to facilitate the return of the deceased’s bodies and ensure medical care for those hospitalized. He emphasized the need for comprehensive support from the religious affairs ministry and the Pakistani Embassy.

Other countries have also reported high casualties due to the heat. Egypt alone recorded 658 deaths, with most victims being unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to air-conditioned facilities. Indonesia reported 183 deaths, and fatalities were also confirmed in Malaysia, India, Jordan, Iran, Senegal, Tunisia, Sudan, and Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Unfortunate Unregistered Pilgrims

The extreme temperatures have significantly impacted the safety of pilgrims. Many unregistered pilgrims, unable to access cooling shelters, were particularly vulnerable. This year, Saudi authorities have cleared hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Makkah, but many still participated in the Hajj rites, facing severe heat stress.

Saudi Arabia has not released official fatality figures but reported over 2,700 cases of heat exhaustion in one day. Last year, the Hajj saw over 300 deaths, mostly Indonesians.

A recent study warns that due to climate change, heat stress for Hajj pilgrims will reach dangerous levels more frequently as the century progresses.

The Saudi authorities have begun the burial process for deceased pilgrims, with diplomats assisting in notifying families as swiftly as possible. As temperatures continue to rise globally, ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims remains a critical concern for future Hajj seasons.