ISLAMABAD: Over 97,000 Hajj applications have been received under the government scheme from across the country and the successful candidates would be announced next week, spokesman Ministry of Religious Affairs Joint Secretary Hafiz Sher Ali said Thursday.
He said that the successful applicants would be selected on the basis of first come first serve basis.
The process of receiving Hajj applications under the government scheme was started on May 2 and the number of the applications had surpassed the allocated quota of 89,605 on May 9, he said.
He said, as many as 179210 lucky persons would perform Hajj this year. Half of them would perform Hajj under the Government scheme while the rest under private scheme.
The intending pilgrims have been divided into Green, Blue and White categories.
The intending pilgrims, who paid 7500 riyals, would be provided residential facilities within 900 meters of Haram Sharif. They would be placed in the Blue category.
The Green category pilgrims would be provided residence facilities from 900 to 2000 meters (from Haram Sharif) in 5000 riyals. White category pilgrims would be provided residences from over 2000 meters from Haram Sharif in 3600 riyals.
Over 625 Private Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) will start receiving hajj application after the decision of the court as the matter is subjudice.
He said Takaful Fund has been established in Saudi Arabia for the protection of the Hujjaj. Substantial compensation would be paid to each haji in case of death, injury or disability.The deceased would be buried in Saudi Arabia as per set rules. (APP)