The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony held Hajj balloting in Islamabad on Sunday.
Through the balloting, it has been decided that 31,253 citizens under the government scheme and 1,000 people on special quota will perform Hajj this year.
Minister for Communications Maulana Asad Mahmood and Minister for Housing and Works Maulana Abdul Wasey were present on this occasion.
Latter, addressing a news conference, Maulana Asad Mahmood said that Pakistan was given 81,132 Hajj quotas, including 60 per cent government and 40 per cent private Hajj quota from Saudi Arabia.
He said a total of 63,604 applications for government Hajj scheme were received through online and selected banks during the stipulated period this year.
Maulana Asad Mehmood said a large number of people were unable to submit Hajj applications because of compulsory vaccinations, the age limit of 65 years and expensive Hajj expenses.
He said that because of Coronavirus pandemic, Hajj was restricted for last two years.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs also operates a helpline to facilitate Hajj pilgrims. The numbers are: 0519216980, 9216981, 9216982 and Whatsapp number is 03063332555.
On May 11, the ministry had asked the applicants that passport, health certificate, Saudi Arabian approved vaccine certificate and token amount of Rs50, 000 must be submitted along with Hajj application. It had further said overseas Pakistanis can submit their passports till 20th of Dhul Qa’dah.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony had asked private tour operators and individuals to refrain from collecting money from the intending pilgrims in advance.
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 last year’s event, making it one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world.
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