The State Bank of Pakistan has directed all commercial banks across the country to keep their branches open to facilitate the collection of government duties and taxes, reinforcing efforts to ensure smooth and timely tax payments. The directive applies to January 31 and has been issued in response to a formal request from the Federal Board of Revenue, with the objective of providing greater ease to taxpayers making over-the-counter payments.
According to the central bank, the decision is aimed at supporting individuals and businesses in meeting their tax obligations without disruption, particularly on a key collection date. By keeping banking channels operational, the authorities intend to minimize delays and operational bottlenecks that could affect revenue inflows and taxpayer compliance.
As part of the arrangement, designated branches, including National Bank of Pakistan branches responsible for customs-related collections, were instructed to operate with extended working hours. These branches were scheduled to remain open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., allowing additional time for processing government receipts and handling increased transaction volumes. The extended hours were intended to accommodate taxpayers who rely on in-branch services for duty and tax payments.
The State Bank further advised commercial banks to ensure that concerned branches remain operational for as long as required to complete special clearing processes related to government transactions. These transactions are processed through the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies system, which plays a central role in the settlement and clearing of interbank and government-related payments. Ensuring uninterrupted clearing through this system was highlighted as a priority to avoid settlement delays.
In addition to physical branch operations, financial institutions were instructed to maintain full availability of digital payment channels. Banks were required to ensure uninterrupted access to internet banking, mobile banking applications, automated teller machines, and other online payment platforms. This measure was intended to provide taxpayers with alternative and convenient options to pay government dues without relying solely on over-the-counter services.
The emphasis on digital payment continuity reflects the growing reliance on electronic channels for financial transactions and tax payments. By keeping these platforms fully operational, banks can support a wider segment of taxpayers, including those who prefer remote and time-efficient payment methods. The approach also aligns with broader efforts to enhance digital financial services and reduce congestion at physical branches.
The move is expected to provide added convenience for both individuals and businesses, particularly those managing end-of-period tax settlements. By extending banking availability and ensuring system readiness, the authorities aim to streamline the tax payment process and reduce last-minute operational challenges that often arise on critical collection dates.
From a broader perspective, the directive underscores the coordination between the central bank, tax authorities, and commercial banks in supporting government revenue collection. Ensuring accessibility to banking services on key dates helps strengthen compliance and contributes to smoother fiscal operations. It also reflects the role of the banking sector as a critical intermediary in public finance management.
The State Bank’s instruction highlights the importance of operational readiness within the financial system, especially during peak transaction periods. By combining extended branch hours, system-level coordination through NIFT, and uninterrupted digital services, the measure is designed to support efficient tax collection while maintaining stability and reliability across banking operations.
Overall, the step is intended to facilitate timely payments, reduce inconvenience for taxpayers, and support government revenue objectives. Through coordinated action across banks and payment systems, the initiative aims to ensure that tax and duty collections proceed smoothly, reinforcing confidence in the country’s banking and payment infrastructure.
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