97,000 Haj applications received so far

Over 97,000 Haj applications have been received under the government scheme from across the country and the successful candidates would be announced next week, Spokesman Ministry of Religious Affairs Joint Secretary Hafiz Sher Ali said Thursday.
Talking to APP he said that the successful applicants would be selected on the basis of first come first serve basis. The process of receiving Hajj applications under the government scheme was started on May 2 and the number of the applications had surpassed the allocated quota of 89,605 on May 9, he said.
He said, as many as 179210 lucky persons would perform Hajj this year. Half of them would perform Hajj under the Government scheme while the rest under private scheme. The intending pilgrims have been divided into Green, Blue and White categories.
The intending pilgrims, who paid 7500 riyals, would be provided residential facilities within 900 meters of Haram Sharif. They would be placed in the Blue category. The Green category pilgrims would be provided residence facilities from 900 to 2000 meters (from Haram Sharif) in 5000 riyals. White category pilgrims would be provided residences from over 2000 meters from Haram Sharif in 3600 riyals. Over 625 Private Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) will start receiving hajj application after the decision of the court as the matter is subjudice.
He said Takaful Fund has been established in Saudi Arabia for the protection of the Hujjaj. Substantial compensation would be paid to each Haji in case of death, injury or disability. The deceased would be buried in Saudi Arabia as per set rules.
Saudi govt to extend all out help to IIU : The Saudi government is ready to extend every possible help to International Islamic University (IIU) for making it a source of knowledge with the combination of modern and ancient studies.
This was stated by Pro-Chancellor of IIU, Dr Sulaiman Abdullah Abal-Khail in a reception which was organized in his honour at IIUI.
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Ghadeer was also present on the occasion. Dr Mohammad Masoom Yasinzai, Rector IIUI, Prof Dr Sahibzada Sajid ur Rehman, President IIUI, Deans, Faculty members and administrative officers also attended the reception. Dr Sulaiman said people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia love each other because of same religion. He said it is good time that Muslims should coordinate and discuss various issues of mutual interest to work for the betterment of Muslim Ummah.
He was pleased to know that shariah and modern education are taught at IIUI Dr Sulaiman also thanked the president of Pakistan for his appointment as Pro. Chancellor IIUI.
Dr Sulaiman said universities are the hub of knowledge and intellectual. He further said Islam is the religion of peace and harmony for everyone.
Everyone should share suggestions and opinions to improve the education system in IIUI and hoped that there will be visible change in IIUI in near future.
Dr Masoom Yasinzai while talking to the media persons said Pakistanis have more love and devotions to Saudi Arabia as compare to homeland.
He said knowledge and expertise of Dr Sulaiman will contribute a lot for the development of IIUI. Dr Yasinzai hoped that IIUI will achieve its objectives under the guidance and supervision of Dr Sulaiman Abdullah.