
Designated banks' branches to collect Haj applications tomorrow
In order to facilitate the collection of Haj applications from intending pilgrims of Haj 2026, the SBP on the request of Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony has directed 14 designated banks to keep their concerned branches open from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm on Saturday, August 16, 2025 throughout the country.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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The integration will require technical development to generate dynamic QRs during bill creation. The SBP's Digital Innovation and Settlement Department (DISD), can be contacted for technical advisory for smooth implementation. It will simplify payment experience for consumers (scan-to-pay from any bank app) and eliminate manual errors and late payment friction. It will reduce cash handling, streamlines reconciliation, and improves operational efficiency, besides enhances transparency, traceability, and digital audit trail for government and utility providers. Ministries and regulatory bodies have been requested to direct all utility service providers under their remit to initiate engagement with their banking partners for Dynamic QR integration. Implementation timelines may vary based on technical readiness, but this transformation is a key enabler of Pakistan's cashless strategy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


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