It is unfortunate that a horrific stampede killed at least 717 pilgrims and injured 863 on Thursday at Mina the outskirt of the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, the deadliest tragedy to strike the annual Haj pilgrimage in more than two decades. The entire world was shocked and expressed deep anguish over the tragic incident. Some 2 million people are taking part in this year's Haj pilgrimage, which is an obligation of every able-bodied Muslim. Saudi authorities take extensive precautions to ensure the security of the Haj and the safety of pilgrims. There are about 100,000 security forces deployed this year to oversee crowd management and ensure pilgrims' safety during the five-day pilgrimage. I express my deepest sorrow on the martyrs of Mina stampede. May Allah accept their pilgrimage, grant highest place in heaven. I pray to God to give strength and patience to the families of martyrs. In this hour of crisis, it is the duty of all to volunteer help. Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, via email
