September 18, 2008	Thursday	Ramazan 17, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Sept 17: About 85,000 were selected through computerised balloting on Wednesday for performing Haj under government scheme.

Adviser to Prime Minister on Religious Affairs Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi pressed the button for the computerised balloting in the presence of intending pilgrims and media personnel.

Ministry of Religious Affairs’ secretary Najeebullah Malik and senior officials were also present.

The adviser said 149,323 had applied for the government scheme, 13,000 less than the applications received last year.

He said that 17,890 applicants who had not been selected for two years would get a chance this year and a quota of 6,860 had been reserved for parliamentarians, labour and Haj foundation.

The adviser said a shuttle service would be arranged to provide pick and drop facility to the elderly in Makkah.

“I will talk to the PIA administration to reduce Haj fare in view of declining prices and the benefit, if any, will be passed on to pilgrims,” he said.

Mr Kazmi said a request to enhance the quota for Haj had been made to Saudi officials and in the event of a positive response, unsuccessful applicants under the government scheme would be accommodated.

Najeebullah Malik said that machine readable passports would be issued to pilgrims.

The first Haj flight will operate on Nov 2 and 164,647 pilgrims will be flown to Saudi Arabia by PIA and Saudi Airlines during 31 days.

He said 30,000 pilgrims would be sent directly to Madina from Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore airports.—APP