Karachi, The State Bank of Pakistan, following a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, has instructed 15 authorized banks to keep their designated branches open for specific hours on the upcoming weekend. This directive is to assist intending pilgrims in submitting their application forms and dues for Hajj 2024. The branches will be operational from 09:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, 2023.
According to State Bank of Pakistan, this decision is in alignment with the Hajj Policy issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. The authorized banks, which include major national and private banks, have been collecting applications for Hajj 2024 since November 27, 2023, and will continue to do so until December 12, 2023. This extension of banking hours is a part of the efforts to facilitate the pilgrimage application process for a significant number of citizens across the country.