ISLAMABAD: Hajj applications from intending pilgrims have been invited by the ministry of religious affairs through branches of 10 specific banks across the country from 17th to 26 of this month.
While addressing a press conference about the Hajj policy 2017 which is approved by the cabinet on Wednesday, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that a total of 107526 intending pilgrims will be selected under government Hajj scheme while 71684 will be selected though private hajj scheme.
The Minister said that balloting will be conducted on April 28. He said the hajj applications will be received through branches of ten specific banks which include Habib Bank Limited, United Bank Limited, National Bank Of Pakistan, MCB Bank Limited, Allied Bank Limited, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, Bank Alfalah, Meezan Bank, Bank of Punjab and Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited.
The Minister said on direction of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif it has been tried to give each and every facilities to the pilgrims. He said that Hajj package 2017 for North region is 2,80,000 rupees and 2,70,000 rupees for South region.
He said the ministry is making endeavor to provide new model busses to the pilgrims for travelling from Jeddah to Makkah. He said supervision of hajj operation will be strengthened and complains of the pilgrims will be addressed immediately.
The Minister said that an emergency plan is being prepared by the ministry to tackle any emergency situation. He said keeping in view number of the pilgrims, 540 personnel of hajj medical mission, 450 personnel of assistants pilgrims hajj, 270 personnel of seasonal staff of the ministry and welfare staff comprised of Pakistani local assistants will be deployed as per requirement.
