The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has formally announced that all banks across the country will remain closed for public dealings on January 1, 2026, following the declaration of a bank holiday. The announcement was made through an official notification issued by the central bank, confirming that customers will not be able to conduct in-branch transactions on the first day of the new year.
According to the notification, the State Bank of Pakistan itself will remain closed for public transactions on Thursday, January 1, 2026. In line with this decision, all scheduled banks, development finance institutions, and microfinance banks operating in Pakistan will also suspend public dealings for the day. This measure applies nationwide and covers both public and private sector financial institutions regulated by the SBP.
While public access to bank branches will be restricted, the central bank clarified that routine office operations will continue internally. Employees of commercial banks, development finance institutions, and microfinance banks are required to attend office as per their regular schedules. This arrangement ensures that internal processes, settlements, and operational tasks continue without disruption, even though customer-facing services at branches will remain unavailable.
In parallel with the holiday announcement, the State Bank of Pakistan has issued special operational instructions aimed at facilitating government revenue collection ahead of the closure. The SBP has advised all commercial bank branches to observe extended working hours until 10:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31. The extended hours are intended to provide taxpayers additional time to make over-the-counter payments of government duties, taxes, and other statutory obligations before the holiday takes effect.
The central bank further instructed banks to maintain operational readiness for government-related clearing activities. In a press release, SBP directed banks to keep their relevant branches open for as long as required to support the Special Clearing for Government transactions conducted through the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT). This step is aimed at ensuring that government receipts and related settlements are processed smoothly without delays due to the holiday.
Recognizing the increasing reliance on digital banking infrastructure, the SBP also emphasized the importance of uninterrupted digital services during the bank holiday. Banks have been advised to ensure continuous availability of their online payment channels, including internet banking platforms, mobile banking applications, automated teller machines (ATMs), and other digital payment systems. These measures are designed to allow individuals and businesses to continue making online payments for government duties and taxes even when physical branches are closed.
The directive reflects the central bank’s broader focus on digital continuity and financial system resilience, particularly during holidays and non-working days. By ensuring that digital channels remain fully functional, the SBP aims to minimize inconvenience to customers and maintain the flow of financial transactions across the economy.
The January 1 bank holiday is part of the standard annual calendar observed by financial institutions, marking the start of the new year. However, the SBP’s accompanying instructions highlight the growing importance of coordinated planning between banks, government institutions, and digital payment operators to ensure uninterrupted financial services. As digital banking adoption continues to rise, such measures play a critical role in maintaining public confidence and operational stability within Pakistan’s banking sector.
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