ISLAMABAD, June 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 35 Pakistani citizens died while performing Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said on Thursday.
The 35 deaths have been reported in different cities of Saudi Arabia due to extreme weather conditions, with 20 in Makkah, six in Madina, four in Mina, three in Arafat, and two in Muzdalifah, said Abdul Wahab Soomro, director general of Hajj Mission at the ministry.
The official said that the temperature during the Hajj was recorded at 50 degrees Celsius, adding that the Saudi government has been cooperating with Pakistan in this regard.
"We are notified in case of the death of any pilgrim. The Saudi government has established a system under which permission is sought from the heirs for a regular burial or home return of the deceased," Soomro said.
Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that over 1.8 million pilgrims from around the world are performing Hajj rituals in the country this year. ■
