The government of Pakistan will begin receiving Hajj applications from today (Monday).

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the applications will be received through 15 banks across the country.

The process of receiving applications under the government Hajj scheme will continue from November 27 to December 12, the statement added.

The ministry added that around 89,605 Pakistanis will perform Hajj under the government scheme next year.

Women will be able to perform Hajj for the first time without a mahram. If more than the prescribed number of applications are received, a draw will be held.

A quota of 25,000 has been allocated under the sponsorship scheme. Under the scheme, applications will have to be submitted from abroad with dollars.

Under the sponsorship scheme, applicants or their relatives will be exempted from the draw and will be guaranteed a spot.

To apply for the government scheme, the applicant’s National Identity Card must be valid by December 2024.