ISLAMABAD, June 15, 2025
Despite extensive measures by Saudi authorities to shield pilgrims from extreme heat, at least 18 Pakistani nationals 10 men and 8 women died during the Hajj pilgrimage this year, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs .
Following the tragic toll of over 1,300 deaths during Hajj 2024 when temperatures peaked at around 51.8 °C Saudi Arabia mobilized more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 personnel to manage the 1.4 million-strong crowd . Measures included expanded shaded areas by 50,000 m², deployment of over 400 cooling devices, misting stations, AI-powered drones for crowd monitoring, and the installation of the world’s largest air‑conditioning system in the Grand Mosque .
Still, the ministry clarified that the 18 Pakistani deaths were mostly among elderly pilgrims suffering from heart attacks and chronic illnesses. The deceased were buried at Jannatul Baqi cemetery in Medina . This figure marks a significant reduction compared to the 35 Pakistani deaths reported during last year’s pilgrimage .
Global participation remained high: reports indicate 1,673,230 pilgrims from 171 countries took part this year, including around 166,654 Saudis . Authorities also barred nearly 270,000 individuals without proper permits from entering Mecca, enforcing fines up to $5,000 and a ten-year entry ban .
Despite lingering risks, officials point to a marked decline in casualties compared with 2024, attributing it to improved logistics, medical readiness, and temperature-control initiatives. The Kingdom’s efforts from AI-assisted crowd oversight to extensive cooling infrastructure have helped avert another catastrophe, though health concerns for vulnerable pilgrims persist.
