The government has announced new dates for filing Hajj applications.

According to a circular issued by the Federal Ministry for Religious Affairs on Monday, the Hajj applications will now be received from February 25 (tomorrow, Tuesday) to March 6. The concerned banks have been alerted about the new dates, it added.

The Ministry said the process for filing Hajj applications was delayed for one day as Cabinet’s approval of an important point of the Hajj package was required.

The applications will now be received from tomorrow and the banks have also been directed to remain open on Saturday and Sunday to accept the applications.

The Ministry said the Hajj application form has been made easier. The affidavit has not been removed, it is still there and the applicant has to sign the affidavit, it added.

The Hajj expenses for the pilgrims travelling from Karachi, Sukkur and Quetta will be Rs455,000 whereas pilgrims travelling from Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Sialkot, Multan and Rahimyar Khan will be Rs463,000.