- About 179,210 pilgrims will perform hajj under govt’s scheme
Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Monday started receiving Hajj applications under the government scheme through different designated banks across Pakistan.
Last week, the ministry had approved Hajj policy-2017. Under the government’s scheme, 179,210 pilgrims will perform hajj this year at the cost of Rs280,000. A senior official of the ministry told Pakistan Today that the registration process would continue till April 26 and applicants could submit their application through designated banks accordingly.
However, final lucky draw will be held on April 28. The pilgrimage is expected to start in September. According to the policy, those applicants who have performed Hajj in the last seven years will not be eligible to apply for Hajj-2017. However, Hajj-e-Badal will be allowed only through private Hajj scheme.
Similarly, under the policy, following services will be provided to Pakistani pilgrims for this year which includes clearance services at Jeddah and Madina airports, modern buses to transport pilgrims from the airport to their residences, provision of 100 per cent accommodation in Madina will be ensured, provision of cooked meals three times a day in Mashair (Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah), provision of filtered water and effective cooling systems in each maktab in Mina, provision of fireproof tents at Arafat and separate washrooms for the disabled in Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had already directed the ministry to improve the arrangements for Hajj 2017 by taking initiatives for ensuring better facilities at the minimum possible cost. OBAID ABBASI