Pakistani banks will start receiving Haj applications from the intending pilgrims under the government scheme from July 16 to 31, Minister for Religious Affairs Ijazul Haq said. The applications will be received through designated branches of Habib Bank, United Bank, National Bank, Muslim Commercial Bank and Allied Bak, he said told the reporters. The minister said that a total of 159,588 pilgrims will perform Hajj from Pakistan this year out of which 79,500 will be sent for pilgrimage under the government scheme. Haq said mandatory requirement of Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) will remain intact while no Haj application will be entertained for repeat Haj, if the applicant has performed Haj during the last five years except Mahram of a lady who did not perform Haj earlier, group leader and Hajj-e-Badal. The minister said the balloting would be held if the applications were in excess of the seats available under the government scheme. The applicants who have been unsuccessful in the ballot during last two years consecutively under government scheme will be declared successful without ballot, he added. Haq said there would be two white and green categories of accommodation in Makkah based on distance from Haram Sharif and condition of building. The white category buildings will be at a distance of up to 1,500 meters with rent ceiling of Saudi Riyal 1800 while green category buildings will be at distance of 1,300 meters with rent ceiling of Saudi Riyal 2500. The minister clarified that there is acute shortage of green category buildings in the vicinity of Haram Sharif in the present rental ceiling. However, the distance limitation of green category has been extending up to 1,300 meters. Haq said that accommodation at Madina will be hired from groups at the flat rate of Saudi Riyal 300 per pilgrim to be paid on actual occupancy basis within 700 meters and in exceptional cases up to 770 meters. Regarding airfare, the minister said, it has been increased by 10 per cent. So, airfare from Karachi and Quetta will be Rs38,500 and from other stations Rs46,200. No change in any other charges except airfare is being suggested. He said the total Haj dues of white category from Karachi and Quetta will be Rs118,650 and from other stations Rs126,350 while total dues of green category from Karachi and Quetta will be Rs130,750 and from other stations Rs138,450. About personal exchange quota, the minister said, the quota of $1,300 for pilgrims of white category and $1,500 for green category will remain the same as of last year.
