Banks receive 216,542 Hajj applications: religious ministry

ISLAMABAD: A spokesperson of the Ministry for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Saturday confirmed that designated banks received 216,542 Hajj applications under the government scheme, ARY News reported.

All banks have been directed to complete online entry at the earliest and ensure accuracy of updating records of the pilgrims who remained unsuccessful in the last three years, spokesperson said.

The banks were also advised to clear cheques and drafts of Hajj pilgrims.

The spokesperson said that Hajj balloting has been delayed for one day following the request of the banks.

Read More: PIA to induct six aircraft to its fleet for Hajj operations

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri will inaugurate balloting of the Hajj application on March 12.

The deadline for submission of Hajj applications under the government scheme concludes today after an extension till March 09 while the process was commenced on February 25..

As many as 200,000 people from Pakistan would perform Hajj this year, 60 percent of which under the government scheme, while the rest under the private tour operators.

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