News Desk |
National Bank of Pakistan(NBP) conducted Hajj-2019 Balloting for 25 employees (regular/contractual) (5 executives up to VP, 10 Officers up to Grade-I and 10 Clerical/Non-Clerical staff) to sponsor them for the performance of Hajj-2019. The Holy Pilgrimage is expected to commence from Friday, 9th August to Wednesday, 14th August.
NBP President Mr. Tariq Jamali supervised the Hajj Balloting ceremony along with other executives of the Bank. A number of representatives of the bank’s various unions and NBP Officers Welfare Associations were also present on the occasion.
On the joyous event, President Mr. Tariq Jamali extended his congratulations to all the 25 employees who were declared successful in the balloting. Mr. Jamali said that that they were blessed by the Almighty Allah to perform “Fareezah Hajj”. He urged them to pray for the prosperity of the Bank and the country while on the Holy pilgrimage.
In December 2018, the Ministry of religious affairs and interfaith harmony had announced that with an increase in the quota of Haj pilgrims by 5,000, over 184,210 Pakistanis will perform Haj in 2019.
Early this month, the federal government announced that it has decided to relax the Hajj procedure for the elderly this year and announced that they do not have to participate in the balloting. Over 10,000 elderly pilgrims over and at the age of 80 will not have to participate in the annual balloting, the Government announced.
In addition to these, 10,000 of those pilgrims who have participated in the balloting for the last three years but failed to win will also be sent for Hajj this year. Over 500 labourers will also get a chance to perform Hajj, without having to participate in the balloting.
Furthermore, at least 87,000 pilgrims will also participate in balloting for Hajj. Ministry of Religious Affairs has been tasked to complete all arrangements to ensure a peaceful Hajj for all.
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In December 2018, the Ministry of religious affairs and interfaith harmony had announced that with an increase in the quota of Haj pilgrims by 5,000, over 184,210 Pakistanis will perform Haj in 2019. In 2018, a total of 179,210 pilgrims had performed Hajj.
The Hajj commences two months and 10 days after Ramadan ends, during the Islamic month of Zil-Hajj. The end of Hajj corresponds with the Eid Ul-Adha (the sacrificial Eid), which commemorates Hazrat Ibrahim (AS)’s readiness to sacrifice his son on Allah’s orders.
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The pilgrimage, conducted over five days, includes numerous detailed rituals including wearing a special garment (the Ahraam) that symbolizes human equality and unity before Allah, a circular, counter-clockwise procession around the Kaaba, and the symbolic stoning of Satan.