To assist citizens with Hajj 2025 applications, designated banks nationwide will remain open on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, 2024.
As per a circular issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), these bank branches will operate from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM on both days to accept Hajj applications and dues from intending pilgrims.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has appointed 15 banks for collecting Hajj applications and payments from November 18 to December 3, 2024, nationwide.
Around 179,210 Pakistanis are expected to perform Hajj under the government scheme in 2025, with costs ranging between Rs1,075,000 and Rs1,175,000.
Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain confirmed that only those above 12 years of age are eligible to travel for the pilgrimage.
The required payments include a Rs200,000 deposit with the application and an additional Rs400,000 after selection via balloting. The remaining balance is due by February 10, 2025. Refunds are available in case of cancellation, with Rs50,000 deducted for the first installment and Rs200,000 for non-payment of the third installment, after which no further refunds will be issued.
The compensation for heirs of deceased pilgrims has been increased from Rs1 million to Rs2 million.
Last week, the federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approved the Hajj Policy 2025. As per the policy, 1,000 seats will be allocated for hardship cases, and 300 seats for registered laborers and low-income employees under the Employees Old-Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) or the Workers Welfare Fund.
Additionally, the “Road to Makkah” facility will be available at Islamabad and Karachi airports. Hajj group organizers will sign service provider agreements with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with strict monitoring.
A new role, the Nazim (administrator), will be introduced to support the pilgrims. One Nazim will be assigned to every 100 pilgrims, selected from welfare staff. A dedicated Hajj Management App has also been developed to streamline the process and help facilitate pilgrims.
