The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced the commencement of Hajj applications for a limited quota of 5,000 pilgrims under the government Hajj scheme.

Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting today, and the process will cease immediately once the quota is filled.

Designated banks across the country are receiving applications daily. Applicants are required to deposit Rs600,000 in two installments along with their applications. The ministry has clarified that additional expenses, including those for sacrifice or opting for a separate room, will be charged separately.

These applications are being received for the remaining quota of 5,000 under the government Hajj scheme. This decision comes as the ministry seeks to ensure the utilisation of the full quota and avoid returning any unused seats to Saudi Arabia.

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The spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that only 5,000 pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj under this scheme, and the quota will be strictly adhered to. The collection of applications will halt as soon as the number of applicants reaches the allocated limit.

Earlier this month, it was announced during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs that the ministry would begin receiving applications for 5,000 pilgrims in the coming days. Officials from the ministry emphasized that there would be no compromise on the quality of food for pilgrims, ensuring that the food standards were maintained at all costs.

The government had earlier received 81,500 applications under the Hajj scheme, and the decision to allow more pilgrims is aimed at providing opportunities for those who were unable to secure their spot in the initial round of applications. Unlike the earlier process, no lottery will be held for the new applications.

Officials emphasized that this move is not only intended to maximize the quota allocation but also to ensure that no opportunity is lost to send pilgrims to the Holy Land.