The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed 15 designated banks to open this weekend—Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, 2024. This move will help facilitate the submission of Hajj 2025 applications.
The branches will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., enabling intending pilgrims to submit their applications and make payments before the December 3 deadline.
This instruction responds to a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, which wants to ensure that pilgrims complete their submissions on time.
Moreover, the Pakistani government has recently announced a significant reduction in airfares for Hajj 2025, decreasing ticket prices by Rs 14,000.
Under the federal program, pilgrims will now pay Rs 220,000 for airfare, a reduction from the previous Rs 234,000. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Airlines, and other private carriers participate in this discounted pricing initiative.
