A bus accident in Saudi Arabia claimed the lives of five Pakistani Umrah pilgrims, including three women, during their return journey from the historic battlefield of Badr to Madina.
The victims, all hailing from Bahawalnagar district, Punjab, were identified as Rukhsana Bibi and Amina Bibi (228/9-R, Fort Abbas), two women from Dahran Wala, and 68-year-old Manzoor Hussain (39/3-R).
Dozens more were wounded in the collision, with injured pilgrims admitted to three hospitals in Madinah for urgent care.
Four injured pilgrims, including two women, are at Saudi-German Hospital. Three others, two of them women, remain under care at King Fahd Hospital. A sixth injured woman is receiving treatment at King Salman Hospital.
Authorities have confirmed that two bodies were moved to Saudi-German Hospital and another two to King Fahd Hospital. Family members have chosen to have the burials take place in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan’s Consul General Khalid Majeed told consulate teams are providing urgent assistance to the injured, coordinating with the Umrah tour company responsible for the pilgrims’ travel.
Relatives confirmed all five victims will be laid to rest in Saudi Arabia, avoiding the logistical challenges of repatriation.
Muhammad Khalid, a relative of the victims, shared his anguish: “My sister and two cousins were fulfilling their lifelong dream of Umrah. Now we’re preparing for their burials far from home.”
The pilgrimage group had visited Badr, a site significant in Islamic history for the Battle of Badr, before the accident occurred on the highway to Madina.
While Saudi authorities investigate the crash’s cause—preliminary reports suggest possible driver error—Pakistani officials urged stricter oversight of tour operators.
Over 200,000 Pakistanis perform Umrah annually, many relying on budget tour packages. Advocacy groups demand improved safety standards and insurance coverage for pilgrims.
As families mourn, community leaders in Bahawalnagar have begun fundraising to support the victims’ relatives. Funeral prayers will be held in absentia across Punjab this Friday.
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