Hajj 2025 Sees Fewer Pakistani Pilgrim Fatalities Compared to Last Year

The recent Hajj 2025 saw approximately 1.4 million pilgrims converge in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi authorities implemented extensive measures to prevent a recurrence of the previous year’s high death toll, which exceeded 1,000, due to intense heat.

Ahead of the Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, Saudi Arabia welcomed approximately 1.4 million pilgrims. This religious duty must be fulfilled at least once by all capable Muslims.

To avoid the devastating consequences of the prior year, when 1,301 individuals perished due to temperatures reaching 51.8°C (125.2°F), Saudi officials implemented heat mitigation strategies. These included deploying more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 personnel and increasing shaded areas.

However, sources within Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs have indicated that 18 Pakistani pilgrims passed away during this year’s Hajj. This number includes 10 men and eight women.

According to sources, the majority of the deceased were elderly individuals who succumbed to heart attacks and various other ailments. They were laid to rest in Jannatul Baqi, Saudi Arabia.

The number of fatalities is lower than the previous year, when 35 Pakistani pilgrims died during the Hajj in 2024.

Notably, as part of this year’s preventative measures, the area was expanded by 50,000 square metres (12 acres). Additionally, thousands of extra medical personnel were on standby, and over 400 cooling units were positioned to assist the pilgrims.