MAKKAH: The Pakistan Hajj Mission on Tuesday advised pilgrims to take all possible precautionary measures against heatstroke, particularly during the Hajj days, following a severe heat warning issued by the Saudi National Centre for Meteorology.
This year, Hajj is likely to take place from June 14 to June 19, coinciding with the peak of sweltering summer temperatures in the region, raising concerns about the well-being of millions of pilgrims gathering in Makkah from across the globe.
We advise Pakistani pilgrims to avoid sun exposure, especially during the five Hajj days in Mashair from 8-12 Zilhaj. Drink plenty of water, preferably Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), use umbrellas, and spend maximum time in air-cooled or air-conditioned tents and shaded areas, the PHM Director General Hajj said, according to APP.
He said that although the government of Pakistan has made timely and elaborate arrangements, including accommodation, transport, and catering in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalfa, there would be no homelike comfort in the tent villages. It will be a hard time amid millions of pilgrims and hot weather conditions, so be prepared for it.
He further said that around 2.5 million faithful from across the globe, including 179,210 from Pakistan, would perform the religious obligation of Hajj this year.
He noted that the Mission and its supporting staff, including doctors, paramedics, and nurses, as well as local and Pakistan-based mouavineen, were performing duties in shifts round-the-clock to extend maximum facilities to the guests of Allah Almighty.
He added that the best possible facilities in the most cost-effective Hajj package in the region, including round-the-clock transport from hotel buildings to Haram Sharif, residence, and three meals a day, as well as online monitoring of the overall Hajj operation, were being ensured effectively.
Pakistani Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia
Soomro said that forty thousand intending Pakistani Hajj pilgrims have so far arrived in Madinah and Makkah through 164 flights under the government scheme. Meanwhile, the number of arrived pilgrims under the private scheme stood at about 5,500.
