Ministry revokes decision to receive Hajj applications on weekend

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Friday turned down its decision of receiving Hajj applications on Saturday and Sunday (April 1, 2).

The ministry had withdrawn a letter written to the State Bank of Pakistan for collecting the Hajj applications and dues, said Muhammad Umar Butt, the spokesperson for the ministry in a talk to APP.

He said the banks would not collect Hajj applications on the holidays. However, those intending pilgrims would be entertained who have visited the banks for the submission of Hajj applications and dues on this day. The ministry upheld its decision to continue the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme till April 7, he maintained.

He said the decision to extend the last date of receiving Hajj applications under Sponsorship Hajj Scheme was taken as overseas Pakistanis were facing difficulties in remitting the funds from abroad.

Umar Butt urged the Pakistani expatriates to send funds in the dollar account of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony through telegraphic transfer or wire transfer. The applicant or close relative should contact the nearest bank for verification and processing of remitted funds, he added.

He made it clear that the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme applicants would be declared successful without balloting process. He advised the Hajj applicants to contact the designated banks for further information and process adding that the receipt of regular Hajj scheme’s applications was closed today.

Earlier, the government had decided to extend the date for receiving applications under Regular Hajj Scheme till Sunday while under Sponsorship Hajj Scheme till 9th of April.

According to Spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the decision to this effect has been taken due to difficulties confronted by the overseas Pakistanis in sending their remittances.

The spokesperson said the applicants who will send their application under Sponsorship Hajj Scheme will be declared successful without balloting. It has been further stated that all the designated banks will remain open for receiving Hajj applications on Saturdays and Sundays as well.

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