92,787 applicants selected for Haj

As many 92,787 fortunate applicants were selected for Haj 2005 under the government scheme through balloting held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr here on Monday.
Minister for Religious Affairs Ejaz-ul-Haq, Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs Vakil Ahmad Khan besides senior officials were present.
Speaking on the occasion, Ejaz-ul-Haq said as many as 132,281 applications of intending pilgrims were included in balloting under the government scheme whereas under the private scheme, he added, 57,213 intending pilgrims would perform Haj.
The minister said Pakistan Revenue Automation was assigned the task of balloting of Haj applications which they had carried out free of cost. Last year, Rs 330,000 were spent on software programming of Haj ballot, he added and said, in total 150,000 intending pilgrims would be airlifted to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
During scrutiny of the applications, various computerised identity cards were found bogus which had been sent to concerned agencies for further action.
Under the government scheme, all arrangements including Haj passport, visa, flights, accommodation, transport and tents would be made by the government whereas Haj Service Agents and Haj Group Organisers registered with the ministry were responsible for all arrangements under the private scheme. The ministry, however, would prepare passports for private scheme as performance of Haj on international passports was not allowed.
The minister further said this year, the residential accommodation for Hujjaj would be in two categories which would be named as Green and Yellow."
The green accommodation would be at a distance of 800 meters while yellow at distance of 1300 meters from Haram, he added.
Talking to APP, Secretary Religious Affairs Vakil Ahmed Khan said a building with 450 rooms for Pakistan House had been acquired close to Haram.
All facilities including medical treatment would be available for the pilgrims in Pakistan House, he added.
He said that building would be used for the accommodation of Hujjaj and Umra pilgrims on payment as well.
About selection of Khuddam ul Hujjaj and Haj medical mission, he said their selection would be made on merit and in a transparent manner.