The submission of Hajj applications to the designated bank branches for securing berth in the Government Hajj Scheme are most likely to start from February 24 and culminate within a fortnight, APP reported.

A total of 179,210 pilgrims would perform the sacred obligation of Hajj including 60 percent of them under government scheme and 40 percent under private scheme this year.

The government scheme Hajj package has already been been reduced to Rs480,000 and Rs470,000 for northern and southern regions respectively.

Hajj cost further increases due to Saudi fee

He asked the intending pilgrims to start their preparations for applying for the sacred journey. Constitute groups of their acquaintances, complete their relevant documents, arrange the amount as it has to be submitted along with the application, select their bank where the application is to be submitted.

The applicants of over 70-year age should clearly tick at the quota column given in the application for ensuring automatic selection.

The applicants, who had already applied during the last three years 2017, 2018 and 2019, should write the application numbers of their last three Hajj applications for ensuring automatic selection.