Ministry receives over 50,000 Hajj applications in nine days

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has received more than 50,000 Hajj applications in just nine days under government scheme, official sources told APP here on Saturday. The Ministry on April 15 started collecting applications from across the country through 4,686 designated bank branches of Allied Bank, Habib Bank, Muslim Commercial Bank, National Bank, United Bank, Zarai Taraqiati Bank and First Women Bank.
This year, around 90,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj under government scheme, while similar number will be sent to Saudi Arabia through private Hajj group organisers (HGOs). Last date for submitting the applications is May 10. Applicants are being entertained on "first-come-first-served" basis as there will be no balloting this year to ensure transparency in the entire process.