Loading...

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed 15 designated banks nationwide to keep their branches open on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, 2024, to assist with the submission of Hajj 2025 applications.

As per a circular issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) today, the branches of designated banks will remain open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to facilitate the submission of Hajj 2025 applications and dues from intending pilgrims.

Participation and Costs

  • Total Pilgrims: A total of 179,210 Pakistanis are set to perform Hajj in 2025 under the government scheme.
  • Eligibility:
    • The Mehram must be 15 years or older.
    • Females cannot apply for the government Hajj scheme without a Shariah-compliant Mehram, except for Fiqh Jafaria females aged 45 years or older, who are permitted to travel without a Mahram.
  • Cost Per Pilgrim: The estimated cost for Pakistani pilgrims to perform Hajj in 2025 ranges from Rs. 1,075,000 to Rs. 1,175,000.

Payment Schedule and Refund Policy

Payment Installments:

  • Initial deposit: Rs. 200,000 with the Hajj application.
  • Second installment: Rs. 400,000 after selection via balloting.
  • Remaining payments to be completed by February 10, 2025.

Refund Policy:

  • Cancellation Deduction: Rs. 50,000 for first installment refunds.
  • Non-Payment Deduction: Rs. 200,000 for failure to pay the third installment.
  • No Refunds: After February 10, 2025.

Compensation for Heirs

  • Increased Benefits: Compensation for heirs of deceased pilgrims has been raised from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 2 million.

Special Allocations

  • Hardship Cases: 1,000 seats reserved.
  • Labourers and Low-Income Employees: 300 seats for individuals registered under the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) or Workers Welfare Fund.

Facilities and New Measures

  • Road to Makkah Facility: Available at Islamabad and Karachi international airports.
  • Hajj Group Organisers:
    • Service provider agreements to be signed with the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
    • Agreements will be closely monitored for compliance.
  • Nazim (Administrator) Role Introduced:
    • One Nazim to be appointed for every group of 100 pilgrims.
    • Selected from welfare staff to assist pilgrims.

Technology and Training Initiatives

  • Hajj Management App:
    • A special app has been developed to facilitate pilgrims.
    • Includes features for training and arrangement details.

List of Designated Banks for Hajj Applications

The following banks have been designated to accept Hajj applications and dues:

  • National Bank of Pakistan
  • Habib Bank
  • United Bank
  • MCB Bank (Muslim Commercial Bank Limited)
  • Allied Bank
  • Bank of Punjab 
  • Bank Alfalah
  • Zarai Taraqiati Bank
  • Faysal Bank
  • Askari Bank
  • Bank Al Habib
  • Habib Metropolitan Bank
  • Soneri Bank
  • Meezan Bank
  • Bank Islamic
;

More Travel News