Banks to remain open over the weekend

KARACHI: In order to facilitate the Hajj applicants, the State Bank of Pakistan has directed the designated banks to remain open over the weekend.

The State Bank has issued the directives, on the request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, so that the Hajj applicants can meet the December 3 deadline for form submission.

In line with these directives the designated Banks, receiving the Hajj applications, will remain open on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am till 2:30 pm.

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This year a great surge in applications has been observed, over 29000 applications were received in just first 10 days as compared to last year’s 1300 applications. The surge in applications has been attributed to the collection of expenses in installments.

Under the installment plan, applicants under the government scheme must initially deposit Rs250,000 along with their application. If successful in the ballot, they will need to pay an additional Rs400,000, with the remaining balance due by February 10.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has encouraged potential pilgrims to utilize extended banking hours to submit their applications on time.