ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (MoRA) has announced that tomorrow (Saturday) is the final day for pilgrims to pay the second installment of their Hajj expenses.

Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said that designated banks will remain open on Saturday to collect the payments. He urged pilgrims taking part in the government Hajj scheme to pay on time and obtain computerized bank receipts to avoid the cancellation of their applications.

Earlier, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf reminded applicants to submit their dues before November 15 at the designated banks. The second installment amount is Rs 650,000.

The minister said that pilgrims will receive confirmation of payment through the Pak Hajj mobile app. He added that, as in previous years, pilgrims will be provided with a large trolley bag, a hand-carry bag, and scarves for women. Each pilgrim will also receive a Saudi mobile SIM card with internet access and 300–600 free minutes to communicate with their families.

Pilgrims will have access to folding mattresses, air-conditioned camps, and chip-sam walls, similar to the facilities provided last year.

Regarding the Hajj Nazim Scheme, introduced last year to guide and assist pilgrims, the minister said it will be strengthened this year, with one Hajj Nazim assigned for every 150 pilgrims.

He further added that the process of returning Rs 3.5 billion to pilgrims—following differences in accommodation costs in the Mina and Mecca zones—has already started.

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