07 August 2004	Saturday	20 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

ISLAMABAD, Aug 6: The applications of intending pilgrims, failing to produce their original computerized national identity cards issued by Nadra up to Aug 10, would be returned.

The applicants, both under government and private schemes, who did not possess computerized national identity cards, were allowed to submit their Haj applications along with receipt for grant of the CNIC.

But applications of only those applicants would be entertained who would submit their original CNIC up to Aug 10, official sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs told APP here on Friday.

Only those Pakistanis are eligible to perform Haj who possess computerized national identity cards issued by Nadra, the sources added. Nadra has set up special counters at their 'swift centres' for speedy issuance of CNICs to intending pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the ministry, through designated branches of banks, has so far received more than 106,000 applications for Haj under government scheme. About 100,000 people would perform Haj under the government scheme while 50,000 would be sent by private Haj organizers.

The ministry has advised intending pilgrims to be careful while selecting group operators and must check their registration number issued by the ministry. A special monitoring cell would be set up at Pakistan House in Makkah and Madina to review the performance of Haj service agents and Haj group organizers during the Haj.

Under the new Haj policy announced for the next five years, about 150,000 people would perform next Haj from Pakistan. If the number of applicants increases from 150,000, there would be a ballot. -APP