A total of 118 pilgrims from Pakistan embraced martyrdom during the Haj this year.
This was announced by Sindh Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs, Dr Irfan Gul Magsi, while addressing a press conference on his return after performing the Haj.
He said that most of the deceased were aged and died of heart attack. Dr Magsi, who was the leader of the Haj delegation from Pakistan, further pointed out that 40 Pakistanis embraced martyrdom in of stampede at Mina at the time of stoning the Satan.
He further said that a total number of deaths in this incident were 255.
The minister said that of the 40 Pakistanis, who died in the stampede, 24 were performing pilgrimage under the regular Haj scheme while 16 were the 'Aqama' holders.
He pointed out that according to Saudi policy, those performing the pilgrimage under the regular Haj scheme are buried in the holy lands in the case of death.
Dr Magsi said that till Sunday, 14 of those who were on the pilgrimage under the regular Haj scheme were buried there.
He stated that some of the families of the Aqama holders have expressed the desire to take the bodies of their near and dear ones to Pakistan.
The minister said that a cell at Pakistani Consulate was completing the paper work in this connection.
He also informed that 10 Pakistani Hajis died in three different road accidents in Madina and Makkah. Dr Magsi pointed out that for the 40 Pakistanis who were killed in the stampede, the government of Saudi Arabia has offered to arrange free Haj for the three family members of each victim.
In this connection, the government of Pakistan would seek three nominations from the heirs of each of the victims.