ISLAMABAD – Haj applications will be accepted from April 18 to April 26, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said on Sunday, Radio Pakistan reported.
Designated branches of scheduled banks will begin receiving applications under the Government Haj Scheme on Monday and balloting will be held on April 29, Yousaf said.
Over 143,000 Pakistanis are expected to make the pilgrimage this year, with 60 per cent performing Haj under the government scheme and the rest will opt for private Haj organisers, the minister said.
The Haj package will cost Rs 261,941 for pilgrims from the ‘south region’ and Rs 270,941 for pilgrims from the ‘north region’, he said, adding that no one would be allowed to perform Haj on government expenditure.
