The number of intending pilgrims under thegovernment Hajj Scheme dropped down to the record level. The banks have received only 6,000 applications of intending pilgrimsacross the country in six days, according to sources. The country’s 15 nominated banks will receive Hajj applications till thelast date of December 12. Total 89,605 Pakistani citizens will performHajj under the government hajj scheme.
Balloting will be held in case of more applications than the fixednumber of pilgrims. Hajj applications can be submitted on the Pakistani passport that willbe valid till Dec 16, 2024. The applications could also be processed onthe token of the passport application. The government has fixed 25,000 pilgrims’ quota to perform Hajj underthe sponsorship scheme on ‘first come first serve’ basis. The government will conduct balloting of intending pilgrims’applications for its regular hajj scheme.—NNI
