Banks to remain open on weekend for Hajj 2025 applications

The State Bank of Pakistan on Friday instructed banks to remain open this weekend to facilitate pilgrims to deposit applications for Hajj 2025.

As many as 15 designated banks will keep their operation running this Saturday and Sunday throughout the country.

The last date for submission of Hajj applications along with dues from intending pilgrims for Hajj 2025 is December 3, 2024.

The directives were issued on a request of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony to facilitate the intending pilgrims.

The SBP has directed the designated banks “to keep their concerned branches open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on November 30, 2024 and December 1, 2024 throughout the country.”

On November 23, Pakistan government announced a massive drop in airfare for pilgrims performing Hajj 2025.

The pilgrims under the federal government’s program will benefit from financial relief of Rs 1.24 billion following the recent announcement of a relief package that reduces airfares by $50 per individual.

This adjustment reduced Rs. 14,000 in ticket prices compared to the previous year, lowering the airfare for Hajj 2025 to Rs. 220,000, down from Rs. 234,000 per person last year.