Banking hours increased: Here’s why!

ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that authorized branches of 14 designated banks across the country will remain open on Saturday, August 16 to facilitate submission of Hajj 2026 application forms.

Following the request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, banks will operate from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM with the aim of facilitating the application process for Hajj pilgrims.

The move is aimed at providing additional convenience to applicants who may not be able to visit banks on normal weekdays.

As of August 13, Pakistan has received 91,300 applications for the government’s Hajj 2026 scheme, of which over 37,000 seats are still available.

Applications can be submitted either through the official online portal or at designated bank branches across the country, until August 16 or until the quota is filled.

The ministry spokesperson said that the approval of applications will end once the available seats are filled.

This year’s official Hajj 2026 scheme offers two packages: a long package of 38-42 days and a short package of 20-25 days. The cost ranges from Rs 1.15 million to Rs 1.25 million, with an initial installment of Rs 500,000 or Rs 550,000 payable at the time of application. The remaining amount will be collected from November 1.

The ministry also confirmed that overseas Pakistanis with a valid Pakistani passport are eligible to apply. Under the new policy, 70 percent of the quota has been allocated for the government scheme while 30 percent of the quota has been allocated for private tour operators.

Pakistan’s total Hajj quota is 179,210, including 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 for private operators, which are awaiting final approval from Saudi authorities.