08 February 2004	Sunday	16 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 7: At least 126 Pakistani pilgrims have died due to illnesses, stampede and accidents during Haj in Saudi Arabia.

According to the information received here from the Haj directorate in Makkah on Saturday, 74 pilgrims died due to different ailments, 40 were killed in the stampede at Mina and 10 died in different accidents.

Those, who were killed in the stampede, included Aqama holders.

The deceased pilgrims were buried in the Janatul Baqie graveyard in Madina and the Janatul Moallah.

At least 780 pilgrims were reported missing.

According to officials, the Haj ministry has developed a website, www.hajjinfo.org, to provide latest information about the pilgrims.

A control room has been set up in the directorate and is facilitating Pakistani pilgrims round the clock.

Officials said 5,856 pilgrims had returned from Saudi Arabia by 18 flights since Feb 5.

So far, 2,382 pilgrims have arrived in Karachi by six flights, 905 in Lahore by two flights, 540 in Islamabad by two flights, 1,071 in Peshawar by four flights and 958 in Quetta by four flights.

The post-Haj operation of the national carrier will continue till March 6.-APP