On Saturday, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his commitment that the government will provide all possible facilities to the pilgrims who wish to perform Hajj this year.
The Finance Minister made these remarks while presiding over a meeting to review progress on Hajj Scheme 2023 in Islamabad.
The finance minister said that Hajj is a sacred religious duty and the government will provide all possible facilities to the pilgrims.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs told the meeting that as per the government’s policy, the receipt of applications for Hajj 2023 was closed on 31st of last month.
It was also informed that 72,869 applications were received in the banks against the quota of 44,190 for the regular scheme of the government.
The Religious Ministry also provided details about its foreign exchange requirements for Hajj 2023. The Finance Minister directed the authorities concerned to collect complete and fully harmonized information from the banks regarding the final number of applications under the regular scheme by Tuesday.
‘Banks to remain open on Sunday’
To facilitate Hajj pilgrims, designated branches of all commercial banks will be open for receipt of Hajj applications on Sunday (tomorrow) from 9 am to 2 pm.
The government has extended the Haj sponsorship scheme till next Friday (April 7), while the deadline for receiving applications under the regular Haj scheme has expired.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the decision to extend the date of the Hajj Sponsorship Scheme has been taken in view of the difficulties faced by Pakistanis living abroad in transferring funds for this purpose.
It is to be noted that under Sponsorship Hajj Scheme all applicants will be declared successful without drawing lots.
The ministry advised Hajj applicants to stay in touch with designated banks for further information and procedures.
