Hajj applications: Ministry proposes restoring ballot system

ISLAMABAD:

Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has proposed to revive the balloting system for selection of intending pilgrims of Government Hajj scheme, said an official of the ministry. 

Talking to APP, he said the existing system of selecting the successful pilgrims of Government Hajj Scheme through First Come First Served basis would be changed subject to the approval of the federal cabinet.  He said the new draft Hajj Policy was ready. The policy would be sent to the federal cabinet for approval during the current week. In the draft, the ministry has suggested to change the existing procedure of applying for Government Hajj Scheme.

The successful applicants would be selected through balloting system instead of first come first served basis. He said the ministry has already arranged several meetings with the officials of PIA for persuading them to decrease fares of the intending pilgrims. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2015.