April 06, 2023 (MLN): The federal government has decided to accept all 72,869 applications for Hajj without balloting, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Ishaq Dar informed through a video message on Thursday.
This decision was made on the recommendation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Ishaq Dar stated that the Ministry of Religious Affairs received 72,869 applications for the regular Hajj scheme, which exceeded this year's quota of 44,190.
He also mentioned that sending more pilgrims than the fixed quota under the regular scheme will require additional resources, including foreign exchange.
On a related note, the balloting for the government Hajj Scheme that was scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony spokesperson stated that a new date for balloting will be announced later.
Earlier, the federal government extended the deadline for receiving applications under the regular Hajj scheme till Sunday. Additionally, the deadline for the sponsorship Hajj scheme has been extended to April 9, 2023.
