Banks to remain open over weekend for Hajj 2025 applications
To facilitate aspiring pilgrims, all designated banks across Pakistan will remain open on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, to collect Hajj 2025 applications and related dues. According to a circular issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the bank branches will operate from 9 am to 2:30 pm on both days.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has authorized 15 banks to accept Hajj applications from November 18 to December 3, 2024, under the government Hajj scheme. Approximately 179,210 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj in 2025, with costs ranging between Rs1,075,000 and Rs1,175,000.
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Pilgrims are required to submit an initial payment of Rs200,000 with their applications. Successful applicants, selected via balloting, will deposit Rs400,000 in the second installment, with the remaining amount payable by February 10, 2025. Refunds for cancellations will incur deductions, with Rs50,000 deducted from the first installment and Rs200,000 for failing to pay the third installment. No refunds will be issued after February 10, 2025.
Hajj Policy Highlights
The Hajj Policy 2025, approved by the federal cabinet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, includes several initiatives to improve services for pilgrims. Key features include:
- Hardship Cases and Labour Allocations: 1,000 seats are reserved for hardship cases, and 300 seats are allocated for low-income workers registered with EOBI or the Workers Welfare Fund.
- Compensation for Heirs: Compensation for the heirs of deceased pilgrims has been increased from Rs1 million to Rs2 million.
- Road to Makkah Initiative: This facility will be available at Islamabad and Karachi airports to streamline the immigration process.
- Nazim (Administrator) Role: A new administrator portfolio has been introduced, with one Nazim appointed for every 100 pilgrims to provide welfare support.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has implemented measures to enhance the Hajj experience. A special Hajj Management App has been developed to assist pilgrims, and training programs have been arranged. Hajj group organizers will sign service agreements with the Ministry, and compliance will be closely monitored.
Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth Hajj journey for all pilgrims. He also highlighted that children under 12 years old would not be permitted to travel for the pilgrimage.
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