Business Desk 
Aug 13, 2025
With the government of Pakistan taking appropriate measures in the wake of the ongoing Hajj 2026 application process, the State Bank of Pakistan has ordered designated banks to remain open to facilitate applicants.
"In order to facilitate the collection of Hajj applications from intending pilgrims of Hajj 2026, State Bank of Pakistan on the request of Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony has directed 14 designated banks to keep their concerned branches open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025 throughout the country," read a notification issued by the central bank.
The SBP's directives have come on the heels of the Ministry of Religious Affairs initiating the second phase of applications as a considerable of portion of Hajj 2026 quota remained available in the first phase for Hajj 2026.
