Toll of Pakistanis martyred in Mina stampede reaches 44

ISLAMABAD: The toll of Pakistani pilgrims martyred in the Mina stampede has reached 44 while over 60 others are still missing, according to the new list issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

According to the list, the death of two more Pakistanis has been confirmed, raising the toll to 44. Those whose death was confirmed today included Haider Ali from Shangla and Hasna Bibi.

Haider Ali was part of Pakistan Medical Mission.

On Monday, Prime Minister’s Focal Person Tariq Fazal Chaudhry while addressing a press conference, endorsed the statement of Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia Manzoor-ul-Haq, confirmed the martyrdom of 40 Pakistanis as a result of the Mina stampede during this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at a press conference here, the PML-N MNA said 35 Pakistani pilgrims were also injured in the last week’s tragic incident. Chaudhry said 221 of the missing Pakistanis have made contact while 63 were still misplaced.

Announcing Rs500,000 and Rs200,000 in compensation for martyred and injured respectively by the government, he said the families of martyred were being informed of all developments.

Families of the martyred Pakistani pilgrims will also be sent to perform Umrah on the state’s expenses, he added.

At least 1100 Hajj pilgrims from various countries were martyred as a result of a stampede last week in Mina where they had gathered to stone the devil as a ritual for this year's Hajj.

More than 900 pilgrims were injured while scores others went missing in the incident.

Helpline set up

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is presently in New York for attending the United Nations General Assembly session, said difficulties are being faced in finding the missing pilgrims after the Mina stampede.

However, he hoped that the situation would become clear soon.

On the advice of the prime minister, the religious affairs ministry has set up a helpline to assist and help out those concerned about their loved ones.

The helpline can be accessed by calling the toll-free number 042111725425 from inside Pakistan, while callers from Saudi Arabia or other countries can dial 8001166622 for help. Relatives and family members may also visit the website www.hajjinfo.org for further details.

Later today, PM Sharif personally called on the helpline himself to check the service. The prime minister also ordered his office to get in touch with family members of all missing Pakistani pilgrims and acquaint them with the latest information.