Haj balloting to select 63,805 pilgrims held

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Thursday conducted balloting for selection of 63,805 intending pilgrims under government’s regular scheme for the Haj 2024.

Giving details, the caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmad said that a total of 69,438 applications were received for regular Haj scheme. He said that the ministry also compiled point of departure wise waiting lists of unsuccessful applicants. In case any successful applicants are dropped for own reasons, they would be replaced unsuccessful applicants from the same region.

The total applicants include 56 percent females and 44 percent males. The minister said that the Haj expenses were reduced by Rs100,000 as compared to the last year.

The departing intending pilgrims would get one suit case each with QR code to avoid loss of luggage while females would be gifted Abaya of Pakistani flag. Aneeq Ahmad said that after Islamabad, the Saudi government agreed to include Karachi Airport in ‘Road to Makkah’ project. It would be for the first time that thousands of Pakistani faithful would also avail facility of stay of short duration.

Meanwhile, the banks would receive applications under the sponsorship scheme till December 31. The scheme was introduced to receive payments from overseas applicants in foreign exchange. An official of the Ministry of Religious Affairs said that so far 3,500 applications under sponsorship scheme have been received. He said that if the government agrees, the 5,633 unsuccessful applicants would also be accommodated.

The sources said that the Ministry of Religious Affairs is bound to provide numbers of intending pilgrims to the Saudi authorities as per points of departure from the country by January 02.