ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has warned Pakistani pilgrims not to carry prohibited drugs to Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom awards the death penalty for the offence.

“The Saudi law on drugs is very strict and officials should educate pilgrims,” an official of the ministry said on Sunday, urging the pilgrims to abide by the law of the Kingdom.

He suggested pilgrims neither get involved in drug smuggling nor carry bags or envelopes on behalf of other people as it leads to a death sentence.

The official requested trainers to educate the pilgrims on the dangers of carrying drugs and trafficking contrabands to the Kingdom. “Many pilgrims are ignorant and they should be informed about Hajj rituals and code of conduct at the Holy Land.”

An official of the Anti Narcotic Force (ANF) also warned the pilgrims against smuggling drugs to Saudi Arabia and said that the Kingdom awarded capital punishment for such actions. “The ANF receives complaints on its helpline 1415 round the clock and encourages people to share information regarding drug peddling, trafficking or any other narcotics-related activity.”