Eight Pakistani pilgrims remain in hospital

JEDDAH: Pakistan Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said eight Pakistani pilgrims are still in hospital; the number of injured was higher, but the remaining injured have been discharged.
The number of Pakistani martyrs is 46; 42 pilgrims remain missing out of an original total of 328.
The minister said this during a press meeting on Wednesday at Pakistan Consulate after his meeting with Saudi Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar in Jeddah.
Pakistan Consul General Aftab Ahmed Khokher, Deputy Secretary of Pakistan Religious Affairs Sajad Yousafani and Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq were also present during the meeting with the Saudi Haj minister.
According to information, the director general of Haj provided accommodation to the families of deceased pilgrims in the Mina tragedy and extend their stay. They have been assisted in rescheduling their flights, enabling them to complete formalities.
Arrangements have also been made for relatives of missing and deceased Hajis to visit hospitals. They can also visit the office of the Haj Directorate General in Azizia for further information and assistance.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that he himself, Ambassador Manzoor ul Haque and Syed Akif, director general (Haj) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs went to all the hospitals to check on Pakistani pilgrims. He said that of the 42 nationals still missing, some are Pakistanis residing in the Kingdom.
“Their families and relatives are in contact with us. Saudi Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar in Jeddah assured us of full support and has provided all the facilities to the families of injured and those who are missing,” he said.
He said that Hajjar assured him that the Saudi government fully shares the grievances and concerns of the families of the pilgrims who were injured, and those still missing.
He further said that the Saudi ministry appointed two officials from the public relations department to provide assistance and information to the Pakistan Consulate and Embassy. If the family of any martyr wants their family member's remains returned to Pakistan, the ministry will help and facilitate the arrangements.
Muhammad Yousaf also said if someone uses this disaster for political means it is shameful, as the Saudi government did its best in providing all facilities and services to the pilgrims.
"The Saudi government provided the best security and health services to the pilgrims, which is still continuing," he said.
The minister said that they know the families of the missing pilgrims are upset, but guessing about the situation is not appropriate and they should wait until the release of full investigation report.