The State Bank of Pakistan on Friday directed authorised banks to keep all their designated branches open on upcoming Saturday and Sunday to facilitate pilgrims to submit application forms along with dues for Hajj 2024.

“In order to facilitate the intending pilgrims to deposit application forms along with dues for Hajj 2024, the State Bank of Pakistan on the request of Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony has directed 15 authorised banks to keep all their designated branches open from 09:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday and Sunday (i.e. 09-12-2023 and 10-12-2023) throughout the country,” the central bank said in a statement.

The ministry of religious affairs and interfaith harmony has authorised the National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank, United Bank, MCB Bank, Allied Bank, Bank of Punjab, Bank Alfalah, Zarai Taraqiati Bank and Faysal Bank to collect application forms along with dues from intending pilgrims for Hajj 2024 from November 27 till December 12 throughout the country.

Askari Bank, Bank Al-Habib, Habib Metropolitan Bank, Soneri Bank, Meezan Bank and Bank Islami are also authorised to collect forms from the pilgrims.

The registration for Hajj 2024 under the government scheme began on November 27.

The applications can be submitted on a passport valid till December 16, 2024. Hajj application can also be processed on passport application token, the national broadcaster reported.

The caretaker federal Cabinet on November 15 approved amendments in the Hajj Policy 2024 under which children below ten years of age will also be eligible to perform Hajj.

Flexibility will be allowed about the condition for Hajj Scheme pilgrims of over 80 years of age.

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The Cabinet also approved a reduction in hardship Hajj quota. It was decided that 50% of local moavineen would comprise Pakistani students studying in Saudi universities and their appointment will be made as welfare staff.