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25 Pak pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH: Twenty-five intending Pakistani pilgrims have died including ten women in the pre-Haj season.

They died of natural causes. Most of the deceased had heart ailment officials said.

Seven of these have been buried in "Janatul Baqee", Madina Munawwarah, where they breathed their last, while the rest were buried in 'Janatul Muallah", Makkah Mukarramah with the only exception of PTV's ex-producer Nisar Hussain. His wife desired that his body be taken to Pakistan for burial.

This was disclosed by the Director Haj Ahmad Bukhsh Lehri and Deputy Director, Shahid Aziz while briefing the Federal Secretary Religious Affairs, Mohammad Zubair Qidwai who arrived here this morning.

The Secretary also went round the buildings where Pakistani Hajis are residing. The Secretary expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements made and the quality of the accommodation, acquired.

Over ninety percent of the total one lakh and six thousand Pakistani pilgrims have arrived while the rest would reach here within the next five days prior to the closure of the Airports for pilgrims, the Secretary was informed.-APP