Habib Bank Limited, through its HBL Islamic segment, has been appointed as the Exclusive Banking Partner for Hajj 2027 in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Government of Pakistan. The partnership will enable HBL Islamic to facilitate the collection of Hajj dues from intending pilgrims while supporting the government’s efforts to simplify and digitalise the application and payment process for the upcoming Hajj season.
Under the arrangement, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has established an exclusive Shariah compliant account with HBL Islamic for the collection of Hajj payments. Intending pilgrims will be able to deposit their Hajj dues through the designated banking arrangement, providing a dedicated channel for payments associated with the government’s Hajj scheme.
The partnership will also enable intending pilgrims to make Hajj payments through digital channels. These include the Ministry’s online web portal, allowing applicants to complete the payment process through digital means. The arrangement supports the Government of Pakistan’s objective of digitalising the Hajj application and payment process from end to end, reducing reliance on traditional payment methods and providing applicants with greater flexibility.
HBL Islamic will bring its banking network and digital payment capabilities to the partnership. The combination of physical banking access and digital channels is intended to make the payment process more convenient for intending pilgrims across Pakistan. The arrangement also provides the Ministry with a dedicated banking partner for handling Hajj related payments under the government’s programme.
The partnership forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to simplify and modernise the Hajj application and payment process. By incorporating digital payment facilities into the process, intending pilgrims can access additional options for submitting their Hajj dues. The online payment capability through the Ministry’s web portal is expected to support a more streamlined process for applicants participating in the Hajj 2027 arrangements.
The agreement was signed in Islamabad in the presence of Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. The signing ceremony brought together representatives from the Ministry and HBL Islamic for the formalisation of the banking partnership for Hajj 2027.
Representing the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony at the occasion were Abrar Ahmad Mirza, Federal Secretary, and Sayyed Abdul Waheed Shah, Joint Secretary Hajj. Their participation reflected the Ministry’s involvement in establishing the banking arrangement for the collection and processing of Hajj dues under the upcoming government programme.
HBL Islamic was represented by Muhammad Asad Khan, General Manager, Islamic Segment, along with other senior executives of the bank. The participation of senior representatives from both organisations marked the formal beginning of the partnership and the implementation of the designated banking arrangement for Hajj 2027.
The appointment of HBL Islamic as the exclusive banking partner also highlights the role of Islamic banking services in supporting government managed religious travel arrangements. The dedicated Shariah compliant account established by the Ministry provides a banking structure aligned with Islamic finance requirements while enabling the collection of payments from intending pilgrims.
Digital payments form another significant element of the partnership. The ability to make Hajj payments through the Ministry’s online portal reflects the broader shift toward digital government services and electronic payment channels in Pakistan. For intending pilgrims, the facility provides an additional method for completing financial requirements associated with the Hajj application process.
The partnership is expected to support the Ministry’s efforts to make the Hajj application and payment process more accessible, efficient and technology enabled. HBL Islamic’s banking network will provide physical access to the payment system, while its digital capabilities will support online transactions through the government’s designated platform.
With Hajj 2027 preparations underway, the appointment establishes HBL Islamic as the exclusive banking partner responsible for facilitating Hajj dues under the arrangement with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. The collaboration combines Shariah compliant banking, digital payments and the bank’s wider service network to support the government’s evolving Hajj application and payment framework.
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