Over 179,000 Pakistanis pilgrims expected to perform Hajj this year

Designated banks start receiving Hajj applications from today (Monday)

The designated branches of specific banks started receiving Hajj applications from across the country on Monday.

According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Imran Siddiqi Hajj applications will be received from intending pilgrims until January 24 at thirteen designated bank branches across Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir.

He said that balloting for successful applicants will be held on January 26. He further stated Hajj dues had not been increased this year in order to further facilitate the intending pilgrims.



According to Siddiqi, Rs280,000 would be paid by intending pilgrims of the northern region, while Rs270,000 would be paid by intending pilgrims going to perform Hajj from the southern region.

The spokesperson further a total of 179,210 Pakistanis would perform the sacred religious obligation this year. Out of those, 67 per cent will perform Hajj under the government scheme and 33 per cent under the private scheme.