ISLAMABAD, May 20: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Ejazul Haq has said under the new Haj policy, 150,000 pilgrims would perform Hajj and 300,000 visit the holy land for Umra every year.

Speaking at a seminar on "Policy projection of Islam", organized by Islamabad citizen committee, he said the five-year Haj policy would be announced next week. The minister said those applicants who were not selected for Haj last year, would be given preference next time.

He made it clear that those who had performed Haj last year would not be considered this time, except for those who going for "Hajje Badal". About Zakat distribution, he said about Rs55 billion had been disbursed among the needy through provinces during the last 19 years.

At present, financial support is being provided from the Zakat fund to 80 hospital across the country. The distribution of Zakat will also be extended to FATA, Mr Haq added.

He said there were 14,000 religious institutions in the country, and the Wafaqul Madaris would be affiliated with the education board. The minister said, at present, three model religious school were imparting Islamic education to the students. About 25 new model institution will also be set up across the country in the next few months.

He said: "Our duty towards Islam would be fulfilled only when we devoted our energies and resources to project the enlightened message of Islam in the interest of domestic progress and prosperity, and international peace and harmony."