The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will remain closed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH). The closure follows the federal government’s announcement of a public holiday across Pakistan on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, which falls on 12th Rabi ul Awal this year.
The central bank’s closure means that SBP offices and regular banking-related operations conducted through the institution will not take place on Wednesday. The holiday is part of the nationwide observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi and applies to the date declared as a public holiday by the federal government.
The announcement comes as other key institutions in Pakistan’s financial and capital markets have also confirmed their closure for the occasion. Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited (PSX) has announced that the exchange will remain closed on Wednesday, August 26, in observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi.
PSX informed all TRE Certificate Holders, staff and concerned parties that trading and exchange operations would remain suspended on the declared holiday. The closure means that regular activity at the country’s main stock exchange will not be conducted on August 26.
The federal government had earlier declared August 26, 2026, a public holiday across Pakistan for Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH). The declaration covers government offices and other institutions observing the officially announced public holiday.
The coordinated closures of SBP and PSX mean that two major components of Pakistan’s financial system will not conduct their regular operations on Wednesday. The State Bank serves as the country’s central bank and plays a key role in monetary and financial system operations, while PSX provides the platform for trading in listed securities.
The holiday will therefore affect regular activity in both the banking and capital market sectors for the day. Market participants, financial institutions and other stakeholders will resume their normal activities after the public holiday according to their respective operating schedules.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi is observed on 12th Rabi ul Awal and commemorates the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The federal government’s decision to declare August 26 a public holiday has resulted in the closure of various government and financial institutions across the country.
For the banking sector, the SBP closure is relevant to institutions and market participants that coordinate with the central bank for regulatory, monetary and other financial system-related activities. The holiday also coincides with the closure of PSX, ensuring that the country’s primary securities market will not conduct its regular trading activities on the same date.
The announcement provides advance notice to banks, financial institutions, investors, brokers, traders and other stakeholders to account for the holiday while planning their transactions and market activities. Any activities that require SBP or PSX operations will therefore need to be scheduled in accordance with the institutions’ post-holiday operating arrangements.
With August 26 declared a nationwide public holiday, the closure of SBP and PSX forms part of the broader observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi across Pakistan. Both institutions are expected to resume their regular functions after the holiday according to their normal working calendars.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.