The State Bank of Pakistan has instructed commercial banks to keep designated branches open on Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, 2026, to facilitate over-the-counter payment of government duties and taxes at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue. The measure applies to Saturday opening branches of all commercial banks, including NBP branches handling customs collection, which must operate from 09:00 A.M. to 03:00 P.M. on both days. Banks were also advised to keep the relevant branches open on May 24 for as long as required to support the special clearing of government transactions conducted by NIFT. In parallel, they must ensure uninterrupted availability of online payment channels, including internet banking, mobile applications, ATMs and other digital platforms, for payment of government duties and taxes.
State Bank of Pakistan2026-05-22
State Bank of Pakistan directs banks to open branches on May 23 and 24 for government tax and duty collections
The State Bank of Pakistan has directed commercial banks to keep designated branches open on Saturday and Sunday, 23 and 24 May 2026, to facilitate over-the-counter payment of government duties and taxes at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue. The instruction covers Saturday-opening branches of all commercial banks, including National Bank of Pakistan customs-collecting branches, which must operate from 09:00 to 15:00 and remain open on 24 May as needed to support special NIFT clearing and ensure uninterrupted online payment channels.