The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that all banks and financial institutions across the country will remain closed on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in observance of Pakistan’s Independence Day. The public holiday, officially declared by the Government of Pakistan, will see a nationwide suspension of banking operations for the day.
In a statement issued on Monday, the central bank confirmed that its offices would remain closed, with no public dealings or internal banking operations conducted on the holiday. This closure extends to all commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and development finance institutions, ensuring uniform observance of the national day across the financial sector.
The SBP clarified that the holiday applies to both public-facing services and back-office operations. Consequently, no over-the-counter transactions, cheque clearances, or other physical banking services will be available on August 14. Customers are advised to plan their financial activities in advance to avoid any inconvenience, particularly those involving urgent transactions or cash withdrawals from bank branches.
While branch operations will pause, digital banking channels — including online banking platforms, mobile applications, and ATM networks — are expected to remain operational during the holiday. This will allow customers to perform essential transactions such as fund transfers, bill payments, and account management without interruption. However, users may experience delays in services that require manual verification or interbank settlements, as those processes will resume once banks reopen.
The SBP’s announcement aligns with long-standing practice, as national holidays are observed by the financial sector in coordination with government directives. Independence Day, commemorated annually on August 14, marks the anniversary of Pakistan’s establishment in 1947 and is traditionally celebrated with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and public gatherings across the country.
Financial sector professionals note that while such closures may cause temporary delays for businesses and individuals relying on in-person banking services, the growing adoption of digital banking solutions has significantly reduced the operational impact of single-day shutdowns. In recent years, banks have invested heavily in expanding their online service offerings, providing customers with alternatives to branch-based transactions during public holidays and other non-working days.
Development finance institutions and microfinance banks have also adapted to this model, ensuring that their customers in rural and underserved regions can access basic services through mobile agents, fintech partnerships, and branchless banking networks, even when physical branches are closed.
The SBP has advised all stakeholders to take note of the closure and ensure that any time-sensitive banking needs are addressed before the holiday. Normal banking operations will resume on Friday, August 15, 2025.