The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to allow the exchange companies to set up their own currency exchange booths at the Haji camps during Haj season. According to SBP this step has been taken under F.E. Circular No 09 dated July 30, 2002 to facilitate the Haj pilgrims subject to the following terms and conditions.
For establishing the said booths at the Haji Camps the NOC will have to be obtained from the Ministry of Religious Affairs prior to approaching the SBP for approval.
The booths will be set up temporarily during Haj season only. Fresh applications for the same will be submitted for every Haj season and the Haji Camp.
The booths may consist of glass or wooden cabin of an appropriate size (minimum 4 by 6 feet) displaying the name of exchange company clearly/prominently.
The booth will be authorised to deal in only sale and purchase of foreign currency notes, coins and travellers cheques to/from Hajis only during Haj season for which related details/documents and record of transactions will be maintained by the exchange company which may be inspected by SBP as and when required.
No business other than specified above will be undertaken at the said booths.
A notice declaring exchange rates applicable for sale/purchase of currencies must be displayed at a prominent place in the booth and the deals must be carried out at the displayed rates.
Transactions carried out through such booths will become an integral part of the overall transactions of the exchange company and would be reported to the SBP in related returns accordingly.
Any violation of related rules and regulations by the booth would attract appropriate penal action against the concerned exchange company.