ISLAMABAD, Nov 7: The Ministry of Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr has advised banks here on Friday to refund dues to all those Haj applicants who were not selected in two ballots for the Regular Scheme and Open Haj Scheme held on Oct 23 and 29, 2003, respectively.

The Haj dues were received at more than 2,906 branches of the seven designated banks — the National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank Limited, Muslim Commercial Bank, Allied Bank Limited, Bank of Punjab and Bank of Khyber.

About 177,664 applicants had deposited the Haj dues at these banks, out of which 130,000 intending pilgrims were selected in the ballot.

The remaining 47,664 unsuccessful applicants should now claim refund of their dues.—APP