ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: More than 19,114 pilgrims have been airlifted to Saudi Arabia since December 26, in 61 flights for Haj, the Haj Directorate said here on Saturday, while one pilgrim suffered a cardiac arrest and died.

Intending pilgrim Abdul Hameed, son of Mohammad Sarwar, resident of Karachi, Passport No.421186 has died due to cardiac arrest in Madinah on January 2.

He was buried in Jannat ul Baqi.

The medical mission has so far provided medical assistance to 718 outdoor and 2,151 indoor patients in Saudi Arabia.

After their arrival in Saudi Arabia, 18 pilgrims were reported missing, but were located after hectic efforts of the welfare staff.

About 656 welfare, seasonal, medical staff and Khuddam-ul- Hajjaj have been deployed to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims round the clock during Haj.

According to information received here, as many as 8,285 pilgrims have been sent to Madinah from Makkah.-APP