Elderly exempted from Hajj balloting this year

Ministry of Religious Affairs eases rules for citizens above 80; exempts them from Hajj balloting

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to ease the Hajj procedure for the elderly this year and announced that they do not have to participate in the balloting.

Over 10,000 elderly pilgrims—over and at the age of 80— will not have to participate in the annual balloting.

In addition, 10,000 of those pilgrims who have participated in the balloting for the last three years but failed to win will also be sent for Hajj this year.

Over 500 laborers will also get a chance to perform Hajj, without participating in the balloting.

Furthermore, at least 87,000 pilgrims will also participate in balloting for Hajj. Ministry of Religious Affairs has been asked to complete all arrangements to ensure a peaceful Hajj for all.