KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that authorized branches of 14 designated banks across the country will remain open on Saturday, August 16, to facilitate the submission of Hajj 2026 application forms.
The banks will operate from 9:00am to 2:30pm, following a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony aimed at easing the application process for intending pilgrims.
This initiative is intended to provide additional convenience for applicants who may not be able to visit the banks during regular weekdays.
As of August 13, Pakistan has received 91,300 applications for the government Hajj 2026 scheme, with over 37,000 seats still available.
Applications can be submitted until August 16 or until the quota is filled, either through the official online portal or at designated bank branches nationwide.
The ministry’s spokesperson stated that application acceptance will cease once the available seats are filled.
This year’s government Hajj 2026 scheme offers two packages: a long package lasting 38–42 days and a short package of 20–25 days. Costs range from Rs1.15 million to Rs1.25 million, with an initial installment of Rs500,000 or Rs550,000 required at the time of application. The remaining balance will be collected starting November 1.
The ministry also confirmed that overseas Pakistanis with a valid Pakistani passport are eligible to apply. Under the new policy, 70% of the quota is reserved for the government scheme, while 30% is allocated for private tour operators.
Pakistan’s total Hajj quota stands at 179,210 pilgrims, including 119,210 under the government scheme and 60,000 for private operators, pending final approval from Saudi authorities.
