Designated banks to remain open on Saturday, Sunday to receive Hajj applications

ISLAMABAD: All the designated banks will remain open across the country on Saturday and Sunday to receive Hajj applications under the government scheme.

Intending pilgrims can submit their applications in designated banks till Wednesday, Radio Pakistan reported.

Particulars of the intending pilgrims, who have already submitted their applications, have been uploaded on the website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and relevant information was also being sent through SMS.

In case of any error in the particulars, applicants can contact concerned bank for correction.

On February 25, the government had started receiving Hajj applications in 14 designated banks across the country.

According to the Hajj policy released by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, nearly, 184,210 Pakistani pilgrims will perform Hajj this year.

On February 21, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had confirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had increased Pakistan’s Hajj quota to 200,000 and also agreed to Pakistan’s suggestion to provide E-Visa service to its pilgrims.

The minister had said the decision was taken by the Kingdom during his telephonic conversation with Saudi counterpart Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir

“The government and people of Pakistan are thankful to the Saudi government for this commendable step,” he had said.