Hajj applications will be received by Friday, says ministry

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony says the process of submitting applications for the government Hajj scheme through banks is underway and 27,376 applications have been received so far.

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

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry said that Hajj applications will be received by Friday.

Passport, health certificate, Saudi approved vaccine certificate and token amount of fifty thousand rupees must be submitted along with Hajj application. The statement further said overseas Pakistanis can submit their passports till 20th of Dhul Qa’dah.

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.

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.

Read more: Govt announces relaxations in Hajj rules to facilitate pilgrims

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.