15 designated banks to collect Hajj applications from today

Lahore: The collection of Hajj applications will start today (Monday) in 15 designated banks in the country.

Rs200,000 will have to be deposited along with the Hajj application. The second installment will be received after the draw, while the remaining Hajj dues will have to be paid from February 1 to 10.

According to the spokesperson for Religious Affairs, the quota of the government Hajj scheme is 89,605. 5,000 seats have been allocated for the sponsorship scheme for overseas Pakistanis, while a lump sum payment will made from abroad in US dollars.

The performance of hundreds of bank branches will be directly monitored on the ministry’s dashboard, and female pilgrims will be able to travel without a mahram with a trusted group with the permission of the Hajj guardian.

Additional facilities will include separate family rooms and a sacrifice facility. The government Hajj package includes air tickets, food, training, school, and vaccines. However, people with serious complex diseases will not be allowed to travel to Hajj.

The Religious Affairs Spokesperson further said that pregnant women in the advanced stage and children under 12 will not be able to travel for Hajj. Applicants will be provided with guidance through the Hajj helpline, website, mobile app, and official social media accounts.