Over 26,000 applications received for official Hajj scheme in Pakistan.

As the official Hajj scheme continues to collect applications, sources report that over 26,000 applications were received in banks until March 22. The scheme, which allows Pakistani citizens to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca saw a surge in interest this year, with over 2,000 applicants seeking dollars from abroad under the sponsorship scheme.

In response to feedback from applicants, banks were instructed to provide additional convenience measures. Overseas Pakistanis can now submit a medical fitness certificate issued from abroad to the bank. If they encounter difficulty, an affidavit on plain paper stating that they are healthy can also be submitted.

The...