The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has instructed 15 designated banks across the country to keep their branches open this weekend-Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, 2024-to facilitate the submission of Hajj 2025 applications. The banks will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to allow intending pilgrims to deposit their applications and dues before the December 3 deadline. This directive follows a request from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, aiming to assist pilgrims in completing the process ahead of the deadline. In a related development, the Pakistani government recently announced a significant reduction in airfares for Hajj 2025, with a Rs 14,000 drop in ticket prices. Pilgrims enrolled in the federal program will now pay Rs 220,000 for airfare, down from last year’s Rs 234,000. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Airlines, and private carriers have agreed to this relief package. The number of Hajj applications under the government scheme reached 24,266 as of November 28 2024. The process had gained momentum, with applications being submitted at designated branches of 15 banks across the country, according to sources from the Punjab Religious Affairs Department. Applicants were required to submit the first installment of Rs. 2 lakh along with their application, while the remaining Rs. 4 lakh had to be deposited within 10 days after the draw. On November 27, 4,000 applications were received, bringing the total count to 24,266. The deadline for submitting Hajj applications was set for December 3, and the draw for the government Hajj scheme was scheduled for December 6.