ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has extended the date for submission of applications under Government Hajj Scheme till December 22.

According to spokesperson of the ministry, a ten-day extension has been announced on the insistence of intending pilgrims.

He further said that applications are being received in the sponsorship scheme on a first-come-first-served basis. He said those paying in dollars from abroad will be declared successful without balloting.

The spokesperson said the five-year moratorium on Hajj-e-Badal has also been revoked on the requests of the public. Besides, people who have performed Hajj during the last five years are eligible to apply for Hajj this year.

He said single women will be able to perform Hajj in a group of trusted women on providing an affidavit.