The State Bank of Pakistan has instructed commercial banks to extend branch hours and keep digital payment channels available to support over the counter and online payment of government duties and taxes. The move was made at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). All branches of commercial banks must remain open until 05:30 P.M. on Friday, 29 May 2026, while branches that normally open on Saturdays must operate from 09:00 A.M. to 05:30 P.M. on Saturday, 30 May 2026. Banks were also advised to keep relevant branches open on 30 May for as long as needed to support the Special Clearing for Government transactions conducted by NIFT, and to ensure uninterrupted access to internet banking, mobile applications, ATMs, and other digital platforms.
State Bank of Pakistan2026-05-25
State Bank of Pakistan extends commercial bank hours on 29 and 30 May for government duty and tax payments
The State Bank of Pakistan has directed commercial banks to extend branch hours and ensure uninterrupted digital payment services to facilitate over-the-counter and online payment of government duties and taxes at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue. Banks must keep branches open later on 29 and 30 May 2026, support Special Clearing for Government transactions conducted by NIFT, and maintain continuous access to internet banking, mobile applications, ATMs, and other digital platforms.