28 September 2004	Tuesday	12 Shaban 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 27: As many as 57,239 people were selected to perform Haj next year under the government scheme through balloting held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Monday.

Addressing the participants on the occasion, Minister for Religious Affairs Ejazul Haq said 132,657 applications had been submitted under the scheme. Only 376 applications were rejected due to incomplete information and fake documents.

The minister said the quota system had been abolished and pilgrims would be selected through balloting. The Central Board of Revenue was assigned the task of balloting. Last year, the ministry paid Rs300,000 on software programme, while this year the CBR made the programme free of cost.

The minister said 150,000 people would perform Haj this year. Mr Haq said that during checking, various computerised Identity Cards were found bogus which had been sent to the law and enforcement agencies for investigation.

The minister said that accommodation for pilgrims would be in two categories: one is 800 meters off from the Haram and the second 1,100 meters far. A building for Pakistan House with 450 rooms has been hired and it is only 600 meters away from the Haram, he said.

Mr Haq said the building would be used during the Haj and Umra. "All facilities, including medical treatment Haj camp, will be available for pilgrims in the building."