The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has extended the date for submission of applications under the Government Haj Scheme till December 22.
According to the 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 was also revoked at the public’s request. Besides, people who have performed the Haj during the last five years are eligible to apply for the Haj this year. He said single women can complete the Haj in a group of trusted women by providing an affidavit.
The sources said scheduled banks had received over 50,000 applications under the Government Haj Scheme, including a sponsorship scheme.
A quota of 89,605 has been reserved for the Government Haj Scheme, including the sponsorship scheme. However, around 2500 applications have been received from overseas Pakistanis who deposited payment in dollars against the quota of 25,000.
The sources said 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.
