Latest news with #designated banks
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan extends deadline for Hajj applications under government scheme by one day
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan announced on Saturday it has extended the deadline for receiving Hajj applications under the government scheme by one day, with designated banks set to accept forms on Monday, as authorities reported receiving more than 110,000 applications over the past 12 days. The country has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims, of which 129,210 seats have been allocated to the government scheme and the rest to private tour operators. The religious affairs ministry said earlier the State Bank of Pakistan had accepted its request and ordered 14 designated banks to keep branches open for Hajj applications on the final day, which fell on Saturday, though the deadline was later extended in the evening. 'The receipt of Hajj applications has been extended by one day,' a ministry spokesperson said in a statement. 'Designated banks will continue receiving applications on Monday, Aug. 18," it added. "More than 110,000 applications have been received in the last 12 days, with only 7,000 seats left under the government scheme.' The ministry said the extension was on a 'first-come, first-served basis' and that applications would close as soon as the quota was filled. It clarified that no extension would be granted for the ministry's online portal, which would stop accepting applications at midnight on Aug. 16. Pakistan began receiving applications on Aug. 4. Applicants were advised to obtain computerized receipts and verify their details through the ministry's portal or the Pak Hajj 2026 app. Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long package (38-42 days) and a short package (20-25 days), with costs ranging between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 ($4,050–4,236). Applicants are required to deposit a first installment of Rs500,000 or Rs550,000 depending on the package, while the remaining dues will be collected in November. Saudi Arabia had approved the same quota for Pakistan in 2025, though private tour operators last year struggled to utilize their share, saying they faced technical and financial delays, even as the government filled its quota of over 88,000 pilgrims.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Designated banks stay open today as Pakistan receives Hajj applications on final day
ISLAMABAD: Designated banks across Pakistan are open today for the receipt of Hajj applications from intending pilgrims under the government scheme, according to the Pakistani religious affairs ministry. Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims. Of this, 129,210 seats have been allocated for the government scheme and the rest for private tour operators. The religious affairs ministry this week said it had received 91,000 applications under the government scheme. The religious affairs ministry said the State Bank of Pakistan accepted its request and issued orders to keep open branches of 14 designated banks for the receipt of Hajj applications on the final day. Pakistan began receiving Hajj applications on Aug. 4. 'Bookings will be closed once the required number of applicants is reached,' the ministry said. 'Hajj applications received on a first-come, first-served basis will be considered valid.' It urged Hajj applicants to obtain a computerized receipt from the bank and check their details on the ministry's online portal or Pak Hajj 2026 app. 'In case of any mistake, get it corrected immediately by the concerned bank,' the ministry added. Under the government scheme, pilgrims can choose between a long Hajj package (38–42 days) and a short package (20–25 days). The estimated cost of the government Hajj package ranges between Rs1,150,000 and Rs1,250,000 (approximately $4,050 to $4,236). 'It is mandatory to submit the first installment of Rs500,000 or Rs550,000 along with the application according to the package,' the ministry said this week. 'The second installment of Hajj dues will be collected from November 1.' Saudi Arabia approved the same overall quota for Pakistan in 2025, but a significant portion of the private allocation went unused due to delays by tour operators in meeting payment and registration deadlines, while the government fulfilled its share of over 88,000 pilgrims. Private operators blamed the shortfall on technical issues, including payment processing and communication problems.
