KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday said that the commercial banks will remain open on March 2-3 (Saturday – Sunday) to facilitate pilgrims in depositing Hajj applications along with dues.
The SBP directed 14 designated banks including National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank, United Bank, MCB Bank, Allied Bank, Bank of Punjab, Bank Alfalah, Zarai Taraqiati Bank, Faysal Bank, Askari Bank, Bank Al-Habib, Habib Metropolitan Bank, Meezan Bank, and Dubai Islamic Bank) to open all of their designated branches on 2nd and 3rd March 2019 (Saturday and Sunday), for the purpose.
Accordingly, all designated branches of these 14 banks will remain open on Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for collection of Hajj applications along with dues from intending pilgrims of Hajj 2019 across the country.
The central bank advised intending pilgrims to submit their applications within the stipulated deadline to avoid last-minute inconvenience. Banks have also been instructed to ensure smooth processing of forms and deposits during the extended weekend banking hours. Officials said special arrangements were made at designated branches to handle the expected rush of applicants. The government’s Hajj scheme receives thousands of applications every year, with banks playing a key role in facilitating the collection of dues and verification of applicants’ documents across Pakistan.
