Fool-proof arrangements to accommodate such a grand number is no stroll in the park
ISLAMABAD: Following the collapse of the crane in Makkah earlier this month, another tragedy occurred in Mina, killing around 750 people. This is the worst stampede tragedy since, 1990, which took lives of 1,426 pilgrims. Over two million pilgrims perform Hajj every year, hence fool-proof arrangements to accommodate such a grand number is no stroll in the park. However, appropriate guidance and training of people can minimise the risk of injury and death. If people follow rules and regulations, especially by strict adherence to disciplinary principles, then it would drastically mitigate dangers. Every country ought to properly train their people to perform Hajj.
Around 136,000 Pakistanis citizens performed Hajj this year. However, only a few seminars were arranged to help intending pilgrims get acquainted with the challenging routine of performing it. The Ministry of Religious Affairs must address the issue as soon as possible and put a better plan in place for the next Hajj season. If people are well-acquainted with the whole procedure, they will be better placed to communicate effectively with the organisers regarding concerns which, in turn, will reduce the chances of future catastrophes. Meanwhile, there is a huge responsibility on the Saudi government to arrange state-of-the-art precautionary measures to avoid any further tragedies. The government this year, negligently, allowed construction companies to carry out work during the pilgrimage season. Now, it should thoroughly investigate these incidents and plan accordingly to avoid future calamities.
Muhammad Wajid Munir
Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2015.
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