ISLAMABAD, Feb 1: President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali expressed their deep shock and grief over the death of 244 pilgrims during a stampede in Mina on Sunday.

The president and the prime minister said the entire nation was shocked and grieved to learn about the tragedy. They offered condolence to the Saudi kingdom over the death of pilgrims and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls.

According to news reports here, Saudi Haj Minister Iyad Madani gave the official death toll in a press briefing in Mina hours after the tragedy.

According to PTV, the dead also include some Pakistanis and the Religious Affairs Ministry was in touch with the Saudi authorities as the exact number was not immediately available. -APP