LAHORE – Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Khursheed Shah on Thursday announced that the system of random draws for Haj has been abolished. He also announced to award Haj pilgrims’ quota to 96 group organisers, who had been enrolled on the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan. Speaking at Haj Conference 2011 being held under the auspices of Punjab Haj Organisers Association Pakistan, Shah said that Haj applications will be accepted from April 10 to April 30, 2011.
He informed that 90,000 pilgrims from Pakistan would perform Haj under federal government’s scheme. He also announced not to enrol any new group organiser. Shah added that the price for Haj package has been reduced by Rs 35,000 and is now being offered at Rs 200,000. He said that one doctor and two paramedic staff members will be allocated for every 1,000 pilgrims. He said that the ministry will ensure that the residences are near the mono-train stations to facilitate pilgrims to commute.
Random Haj draws system abolished
