Commercial banks across Pakistan will observe extended working hours on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, to facilitate the collection of government duties and taxes, according to official directions issued to the banking sector.
To ensure smooth processing of year-end government receipts, all branches of commercial banks have been advised to remain open until 10:00 PM on December 31 for over-the-counter (OTC) payments of federal and provincial taxes, duties, and other government levies. The move is aimed at providing taxpayers with additional time to meet their statutory obligations before the close of the calendar and financial reporting period.
Banking sources said that year-end typically witnesses a surge in tax payments as businesses and individuals rush to clear outstanding liabilities, making extended hours a necessary step to avoid congestion and delays. By keeping branches open late into the evening, authorities hope to ease pressure on both taxpayers and bank staff while ensuring timely credit of government revenues.
In addition to extended counter services, banks have also been instructed to keep relevant branches operational for as long as required to facilitate special clearing arrangements for government transactions conducted through the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) system. This special clearing mechanism is critical for the same-day settlement of government receipts, particularly at the close of the year when fiscal accounts are finalized.
The extended hours directive applies specifically to branches involved in government business, including the collection of income tax, sales tax, customs duties, and other statutory payments. Customers making non-government transactions may still be subject to standard branch timings, depending on individual bank policies.
Officials noted that digital payment channels remain available around the clock and continue to be encouraged as a faster and more efficient alternative to OTC payments. However, recognizing that a significant segment of taxpayers still relies on physical bank branches, especially for large or specialized payments, authorities opted to extend in-branch services to ensure inclusivity.
The decision aligns with broader efforts by financial regulators and the government to strengthen revenue collection processes while minimizing last-minute bottlenecks. It also reflects coordination between banks, payment infrastructure providers, and government departments to ensure a smooth close to the financial year.
Taxpayers have been advised to plan their visits accordingly and, where possible, complete transactions earlier in the day to avoid potential queues during peak evening hours. Banks, meanwhile, are expected to deploy adequate staff and operational support to manage the extended schedule efficiently.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.