Karachi, August 8, 2025 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that commercial banks will remain open on Saturday, August 9, to assist in the collection of applications for Hajj 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the SBP confirmed that, in response to a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, 14 designated banks have been instructed to keep their selected branches operational from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This measure is aimed at ensuring maximum convenience for applicants wishing to participate in Hajj 2026, particularly those who may be unable to submit their documents on regular working days.
Under the current Hajj Policy, the Ministry has appointed the following banks to receive applications: National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank, United Bank, MCB Bank, Allied Bank, Bank Alfalah, Zarai Taraqiati Bank, Faysal Bank, Askari Bank, Bank Al-Habib, Habib Metropolitan Bank, Soneri Bank, Meezan Bank, and Bank Islami. The application submission period runs from August 4 to August 9, 2025, across the country.
The SBP emphasized that this initiative reflects a coordinated effort between financial institutions and the government to provide smooth and efficient services for Hajj applicants, ensuring no eligible pilgrim is left without the opportunity to apply.