Haj applications date extended till 22nd

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has extended the date for submission of applications under Government Haj Scheme till December 22.

According to Spokesperson of the Ministry Muhammad Umar Butt, a 10-day extension has been announced on the insistence of intending pilgrims. He further said that applications are being received in the sponsorship scheme on a first-come-first-served basis, saying those paying in dollars from abroad will be declared successful without balloting.

The spokesperson said the five-year moratorium on Haj-e-Badal has also been revoked on the requests of the public. Besides, people who have performed Haj during the last five years are eligible to apply for Haj this year: He said single women will be able to perform Haj in a group of trusted women on providing an affidavit.

The sources said that scheduled banks have received over 50,000 applications under Government Haj Scheme which also includes sponsorship scheme.

A quota of 89, 605 has been reserved for Government Haj Scheme including sponsorship scheme. However, so far around 2500 applications have been received from overseas Pakistanis who deposited payment in dollars against quota of 25,000.

The sources said that there might be another extension for submission of applications for overseas Pakistanis. “As we started receiving applications well before time, therefore, more extension is likely for Pakistanis living abroad,” an official said.