Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has asked private tour operators and individuals to refrain from collecting money from the intending pilgrims in advance.

In an exclusive talk with APP, the ministry’s spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said the government has, so far, not permitted any tour operator to receive money or applications for this year’s Hajj.

He said certain private tour operators and individuals are involved in collecting money in the wake of Hajj registration which is totally an illegal act and a punishable offence.

The spokesman urged the people not to hand over their passports and money to any individual or operator, unless a list of private tour operators with Hajj quota is posted on the ministry’s website along with their authorization to receive Hajj applications.

He said if people found any individual or operator involved in this illegitimate practice, they should immediately intimate the ministry on its telephone numbers so that necessary disciplinary action may be taken against them.

Read More: Hajj 2022: Pakistan allocated Hajj quota of 81,132 pilgrims

Official sources said that in the coming days, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony will begin accepting Hajj applications through designated branches of scheduled banks.

Hajj Policy 2022 will shortly reveal Hajj expenses, age limits, vaccines, and other terms and conditions. Saudi Arabia has allotted a quota of 81,132 pilgrims to Pakistan to perform Hajj this year.

According to the sources, balloting would be used to decide on proposals filed in the form of individuals or groups. The distribution of Hajj quotas between public and private Hajj programmes will be divided 60:40, according to the statement.

The Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, must be performed at least once in the lifetime of any Muslim who has the financial wherewithal to do so. Around 2.5 million people attended this year’s event, making it one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world.