Pakistan starts processing pilgrims' applications for Hajj
Arrangements are being made to invite applications from pilgrims for the forthcoming Hajj from next month, according to the Minister of Religious Affairs, Vakil Ahmed Khan."We have started to hold meetings with the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Saudi Arabian Airlines to finalise the arrangements and invite applications for Hajj on specific dates," he said.The Minister said that the Pakistani government has, so far, acquired buildings with all necessary facilities to accommodate about 50,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah during the next Hajj.As many as 160,000 Pakistani pilgrims are likely to perform Hajj this year. Fifty percent of the pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government scheme this year, he said, while the rest will go through private tour operators.