ISLAMABAD - The designated banks would start receiving Hajj applications from Wednesday (May 2) from the intending pilgrims on the first come first serve basis. According to an official, the applications would be received till May 11. The main reason behind increased hajj expenditure is the hike in petroleum prices, appreciation in value of Saudi Riyal (SR) and increased rent of buildings as comparing to previous year, he said. A total of 179,210 lucky Pakistanis will perform hajj during the current year. Half of them would perform Hajj under the Government scheme while the rest under the private scheme. The Government scheme intending pilgrims have been divided into Green, Blue and White categories.