In order to collect Hajj Application forms and fees for the Hajj 2023, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced on Friday that all branches of recognised banks would be open on Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26.
The State Bank of Pakistan claimed that it has instructed 14 authorised banks to keep all of their designated branches open “to help intending pilgrims to deposit application forms along with dues for Hajj 2023” in a statement issued in this regard.
In all areas of the nation, these locations will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm.
In accordance with the Hajj Policy 2023, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony already gave 14 banks permission to collect application forms and fees from pilgrims planning to travel for the Hajj 2023 starting on March 16 and continuing through March 31 nationwide.
The authorized banks are:
- National Bank of Pakistan
- Habib Bank
- United Bank
- MCB Bank
- Allied Bank
- Bank of Punjab
- Bank Alfalah
- Zarai Taraqiati Bank
- Faysal Bank
- Askari Bank
- Bank Al-Habib
- Habib Metropolitan Bank
- Soneri Bank
- Meezan Bank
Hajj policy approved by ECC
The cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved the Hajj policy 2023 earlier this month and decided to offer $90 million in foreign exchange insurance.
Prior to the cabinet committee meeting, which was presided over by Senator Ishaq Dar, the federal minister of finance and revenue, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony provided a summary to this effect.
According to a statement made by the finance ministry, Pakistan has been given 179,210 hajj slots for the year 2023, which would be split 50/50 between public and private hajj programmes.
A quota of 50% from both public and private hajj programmes would be set aside for sponsorship programs, it was stated, adding that the preliminary hajj package for the years 2023 is Rs. 1,175,000 for the northern region and Rs. 1,165,000 for the southern region.