ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani pilgrim gave birth to a baby boy in Mina on Tuesday, the first day of the annual pilgrimage of Haj.

Dr. Muhammad Malaibari, director of Mina Al-Wadi Hospital, said that the delivery was normal and the mother and infant are in good health.

The nursing director at the hospital said that the mother is a diabetic and hence she has been given special medical care.

This is the first birth at the holy site after pilgrims moved to the tent city. The baby was named Muhammad Ali, a private news channel reported.

More than 1.2 million pilgrims have already arrived in the past few days with nearly two million more expected in preparation for what will for many be the highlight of their spiritual lives.

Pilgrims also make their way to Mount Thor where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr Al-Sadeeq started their journey from Makkah to Medina.

It is believed Mount Thor is where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) hid from the people of Quraish before his Hijra (migration) to Medina.

The Saudi officials said earlier, the Haj pilgrimage will go on despite the construction crane crash that took place at Makkah's Grand Mosque due to stormy weather killing at least 107 people and injuring 238.

Opinion

Editorial

The heat ahead
31 May, 2026

The heat ahead

HEAT is becoming a defining feature of life in many parts of the world. It influences how cities are built, how much...
Dimming hopes
31 May, 2026

Dimming hopes

THE National Assembly opposition leader’s recent warning should give the ruling parties some pause. Once again, ...
No Tobacco Day
31 May, 2026

No Tobacco Day

THIS year’s World No Tobacco Day theme, announced by the WHO last October, is ‘Unmasking the appeal —...
Diplomatic resolve
Updated 30 May, 2026

Diplomatic resolve

Iran, too, must engage seriously and provide credible assurances about its nuclear programme if it wants sanctions relief and a more stable relationship with the outside world.
Weaponising water
30 May, 2026

Weaponising water

CLIMATE Minister Musadik Malik’s warning against what he described as “water aggression” indicates ...
Rabies toll
30 May, 2026

Rabies toll

EVERY year, rabies, the deadliest zoonotic disease, kills more than 59,000 people worldwide. In Pakistan, it is one...