Official confirms death of at least 18 Pakistani pilgrims in recent stampede near Mecca

ISLAMABAD – A top Pakistani hajj official in Saudi Arabia has confirmed the death of 18 Pakistanis who were crushed in a deadly stampede during the pilgrimage.

Abu Ahmed Akif said Sunday at least 20 Pakistani pilgrims were also injured in Thursday's tragedy near the holy city of Mecca; at least 769 people died in the incident.

Akif told The Associated Press that authorities were still tracking down many pilgrims who remained missing, but did not say how many were missing.