ISLAMABAD: Haj applications will be accepted from April 18 to April 26, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said on Sunday, Radio Pakistan reported.

Designated branches of scheduled banks will begin receiving applications under the Government Haj Scheme on Monday and balloting will be held on April 29, Yousaf said.

Over 143,000 Pakistanis are expected to make the pilgrimage this year; 60 per cent of these will perform Haj under the government scheme while 40pc will opt for private Haj organisers, the minister said.

The Haj package will cost Rs261,941 for pilgrims from the 'south region' and Rs270,941 for pilgrims from the 'north region', he said, adding that no one would be allowed to perform Haj on government expenditure.

Last year's pilgrimage was marred by two fatal incidents ─ a crane accident and a stampede ─ which caused the deaths of over 2,000 people.

Explore: Mina stampede: Death toll rises to at least 2,177

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.