ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has so far received over 40,000 Haj applications, the ministry spokesman on Friday. The spokesman said that branches of 15 banks had received 13,000 more applications compared to the corresponding period for receiving applications, last year. He said that branches of designated banks would also remain open on Saturday and Sunday till 2 pm to receive Haj applications. These banks will receive applications till December 3. However, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is likely to extend the last date for receiving applications.