In light of the tragic deaths of over 900 pilgrims during this year’s Haj rituals, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged the public to disregard social media posts about the difficulties faced by the pilgrims, labeling them as “inauthentic.” The pilgrimage was marked by searing heat, with temperatures soaring to 51.8 degrees Celsius in the shade at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, according to Saudi state TV.
The staggering number of fatalities included at least 600 Egyptians, 144 Indonesians, 68 Indians, 60 Jordanians, 35 Pakistanis, 35 Tunisians, 11 Iranians, and three Senegalese, as reported by diplomats and officials. The extreme heat posed significant challenges for the pilgrims, leading to this heartbreaking loss of life.
The Ministry’s statement comes amid a flurry of social media activity, which they claim spreads misinformation and heightens public concern unnecessarily. They emphasized the importance of relying on official channels for accurate information regarding the situation.
This year’s Haj has been one of the most challenging in recent history, with the intense heat wave exacerbating the already strenuous conditions of the pilgrimage. The Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with Saudi authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the remaining pilgrims.
