The computerised balloting for selecting 71,000 Government Scheme's intending pilgrims would be held here on May 14. An official of the ministry told APP that each successful aspirant would be intimated through a letter. About 270,000 applications have been received. The record number of applications shows people's trust on the Government.
As many as 143,368 intending pilgrims would perform Hajj this year, half of them through government and same through private schemes, he said.
The applications were received by across country branches of 10 scheduled Banks. The previous system of first come first serve has been abolished.
The successful hajj applicants must possess a machine readable passport having validity up to March 21, 2016. An applicant, who do not possess at least one year valid passport would not be able to perform the sacred religious ceremony this year, he warned.
Fifty percent of Government Scheme Hujjaj would be transported/airlifted directly to Madinah from Pakistan and vice versa as it would reduce the journey time for pilgrims to reach Madinah Munawwarrah as well as cost of the travelling.
The Hujjaj would be airlifted by designated air carriers as per Air Services Agreement. International Machine Readable Passports, NADRA Identity Card and medical certificate has been made mandatory for the Hajj aspirants.
A Parliamentary Hajj Advisory Committee under the Chairmanship of Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has been constituted to advise work plan, policy, planning and management of Hajj operation 2015 in Pakistan as well as in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and suggest measures for improvement of welfare services for Hujjaj. Besides, the Advisory Committee would also oversee the hiring process and the buildings hired by the Committee.
Hajj mission would comprise 450 personnel, 450 Moavineen-e-Hujjaj, 200 seasonal staff of MORA and IH and 400 local Moavineen-e-Hujjaj would be deputed in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2015. Five percent of total seats under government scheme have been reserved for hardship cases include the pilgrims recommended and funded by charitable institutions, labour /low paid employees of different public sector organisations/ corporate entities under the concept of corporate social responsibility, etc.
Furthermore, Rs 10,270 has been fixed as Hajj dues for the infants travelling from Southern Region with their parents on Hajj 2015; while parents of infants travelling from North Region will pay Rs 11,170 each as Hajj dues. The children born after November 9, 2013 has been treated as infants while other children and adults are required to pay normal Hajj dues, he said.