ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Pakistani government has announced financial assistance for victims of Mina stampede as the number of Pakistani pilgrims martyred in the tragedy rose to 40.
In a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Mina incident Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the government would provide assistance of Rs500,000 for heirs of each martyrs of Mina stampede and Rs200,000 each for the injured.
Fazal Chaudhry said that the government would provide free medical treatment to injured pilgrims on their return home. He also announced that two or three family members of each martyred would be sent on Umrah on government expense.
The prime minister’s focal person said that the process would began as soon as Hajj operation winds up and Umrah visas are issued by Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, he said that Saudi Arabia has released photographs of all martyrs of the Mina tragedy belonging to different nationalities. He said that photographs of Pakistani martyred pilgrims can be seen at the Pakistan Consulate at Jeddah.
Meanwhile talking to PTV, the Pakistani ambassador Manzoor ul Haq said the death toll of Pakistani pilgrims in Mina stampede has risen to 40 and the pilgrims who lost their lives have been identified.
The envoy said that now only 68 Pakistani are missing, adding that all out efforts were being made to find them.
PM Nawaz directs to acquaint pilgrims’ relatives with latest information
On the other hand, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made a telephonic call on ‘Mina Helpline’ to personally check the service launched for the relatives of missing Pakistani pilgrims.
The prime minister directed the officials of prime minister’s office to telephone all the relatives of missing pilgrims and acquaint them with the latest information.
Earlier, the Religious Ministry established ‘Haj and Mina’ Tragedy helplines, aimed at providing necessary help and information to the families of missing Pakistani Hajj pilgrims. .
The toll free number 042111725425 has been resend for those calling from Pakistan while those calling from Saudi Arabia can use the toll free number 08001166622.
