The government has announced the Hajj Policy 2018 under which a total of 179,210 Pakistanis intending pilgrimage will perform Hajj, of them 120,000 will be selected through government scheme while 59,210 will be chosen through private Hajj scheme.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf announced the Hajj Policy 2018 and said that the government has not increased Hajj expenditures for the next year.
He said that the federal cabinet has already approved the new Hajj Policy, saying that the government will provide best services to the pilgrims. He said this year those who had performed Hajj during the last three years wouldn't be allowed to perform it again even through private Hajj schemes.
The minister said that the government will ensure provision of better transport and accommodation services to the pilgrims. He said that Rs 13500 for the purchase of the sacrificial animal are included in the Hajj package.
He said that the applications will be received from January 15, 2018 to January 24, 2018. The balloting will be conducted on January 26. He said that 10,000 intending pilgrims above 80 years of age will be selected through separate ballots and in case the number of intending pilgrims over 80 years of age exceeds then the senior in age will be given preference during selection.
Similarly 10,000 applicants, who could not succeed in the last three years' balloting, will be selected and their applications will also be included in the general balloting.
Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that Hajj Package 2018 for the north region is Rs 280,000 and Rs 270,000 for the south region.
There will be no change in the Hajj Package only the stay may be reduced from 38 to 30 days. He said that the Hajj applications will be received through branches of selected banks.
He said that the Hajj Policy was revised following the verdict of the Supreme Court, adding that public trust in the official Hajj scheme has been restored.
The minister said that it was the fifth consecutive year that the government has successfully announced a Hajj Policy.
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