Islamabad: Fifteen designated banks have commenced the process of receiving Hajj applications starting today. Aspiring pilgrims are required to submit their applications along with an initial deposit of two hundred thousand rupees.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Ministry of Religious Affairs spokesperson announced that the second installment for the Hajj journey will be collected following a balloting process. The government Hajj scheme has a quota of 89,605 pilgrims. Additionally, five thousand seats have been allocated for overseas Pakistanis under a special sponsorship scheme, which requires a one-time payment in US dollars.

The government Hajj package encompasses airfare, meals, training, accommodation, and vaccination services. The spokesperson also clarified that individuals suffering from severe and complex medical conditions, as well as children under the age of twelve, will not be permitted to travel for Hajj.