The Pakistani government has announced that there will be no balloting for Haj this year, as the number of applications received is far less than the available seats. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that all applications for the government scheme will be accepted without balloting.
Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Mufti Abdul Shakoor’s policy statement on Haj Scheme 2023.
No ballotting this year. All intended applicants are considered for performing Haj this year. pic.twitter.com/3MnGeAHags— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinistryPak) April 6, 2023
The government received 72,869 applications for the regular scheme, against a quota of 44,190. The finance ministry has planned to accept all applications for intending pilgrims, and extra foreign exchange reserves will be provided with the support of the State Bank of Pakistan.
Under the Haj quota distribution, the government allocated around 45,000 seats under the sponsorship scheme. However, only around 6,000 applications were received for this scheme, leaving around 10,000 seats vacant due to limited interest.
The finance minister has urged intending pilgrims to pray for the progress and prosperity of the country. The decision to accept all applications without balloting will provide an opportunity for more people to perform Haj this year.
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This move by the government is expected to benefit thousands of people who were previously unable to perform Haj due to the limited number of seats available. It is also expected to boost the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to accept all applications for Haj without balloting is a welcome move for intending pilgrims. This decision will provide an opportunity for more people to perform Haj this year and contribute to the progress and prosperity of the country.
