66,000 applications received for next Haj by last date, 14,000 short of Govt quota

ISLAMABAD, July 7 : For the first time in the history of Pakistan, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has failed to receive applications for the forthcoming Haj to meet its quota. Only 66,000 applications were received by the Ministry till Wednesday, 7th July, the last date for receipt of applications. Sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs said that despite two time extension in the last date only 66,000 applications have been received from intending pilgrims and as a result there would be no balloting. The Ministry had informed the Saudi Haj Ministry that one lac sixty thousand Pakistanis would perform Haj this year and it had reserved a quota of 80,000 pilgrims who were to perform Haj under Government arrangements. Because of higher charges, people did not apply in required number for the forthcoming Haj. The Ministry therefore falls short of 14,000 pilgrims and it is yet not known how many people have opted to go to the Holy Land through private Haj operators.