Banks receive 20,170 Haj applications so far'

Spokesman of Ministry of Religious Affairs says that banks received 20,170 applications till Monday evening

By Muhammad Anis
November 26, 2024
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba as they pray at the Grand Mosque, during the annual haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia on July 12, 2022. — Reuters
Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba as they pray at the Grand Mosque, during the annual haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia on July 12, 2022. — Reuters

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has received 20,170 applications under the government’s regular Haj scheme till Monday.

The spokesman of the Ministry of Religious Affairs said that branches of 15 banks around the country received 20,170 applications till Monday evening by 1930 hrs. Meezan Bank Limited has received the highest number of 4143 applications followed by Muslim Commercial Bank with 4063 and United Bank Limited with 3855 applications.

The government has reserved a quota of 89,605, including 5,000 seats (sponsorship scheme) under the regular scheme. The spokesman said that 20,170 applicants include 198 applicants of sponsorship quota. The banks will receive Haj applications till December 3.

However, the sources said that the government is likely to extend date for receiving applications. On the first day (November 18), banks received 1995 applications while on November 25, 4389 applications were submitted. The applicants under the regular scheme are depositing Rs200,000 along with applications.