ISLAMABAD, Oct 3: The registration law for madressahs will be amended shortly through an Act of Parliament. This was disclosed by federal Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Ejazul Haq while talking to newsmen after presiding over the balloting ceremony for Haj 2006 here on Monday.

He said two amendments will be introduced in the law under an agreement reached with Ittehad Tanzimat Madaris-i- Deenia. He said new forms will be prepared for registration.

Mr Haq said 150,000 pilgrims will perform Haj in 2006. He said 90,000 will perform Haj under government scheme and 50,000 under private scheme.

The minister said 3,154 applicants whose name did not appear in 2004 and 2005 are being selected for Haj without any ballot. He said 500 and 150 will perform Haj under the quota for labour and Haj Foundation respectively.

Mr Haq said the computer cell of the ministry worked day and night to scrutinize data for Haj balloting while the manual cell checked all the data provided in the forms twice. He said the services of the computer cell of Central Board of Revenue (CBR) were acquired to make the balloting transparent. The successful intending pilgrims are being informed through mail and letters for proceeding for Haj.

The minister said accommodation for 80,000 pilgrims has already been acquired and boarding facilities for the rest will be arranged during the month of Ramazan.