KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced extended banking hours across the country to facilitate taxpayers in making payments of government duties and taxes before the close of the fiscal year.
The decision was taken at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to ensure smooth processing of tax collections and provide maximum convenience to individuals and businesses seeking to fulfill their tax obligations through both Over-the-Counter (OTC) services and Alternative Delivery Channels (ADCs).
According to an official statement issued by the central bank, all Saturday-opening branches of commercial banks, along with National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branches handling customs collections, will remain open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The SBP has also directed banks to observe extended working hours on Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30, to accommodate the expected increase in tax-related transactions ahead of the fiscal year-end deadline.
Under the revised schedule, commercial bank branches will remain open until 8:00 PM on Monday, June 29, and until 10:00 PM on Tuesday, June 30. Meanwhile, NBP branches responsible for customs collections will continue operations until 11:59 PM on June 30 to facilitate last-minute payments and government revenue collection.
The central bank emphasized that banks must ensure all designated branches remain operational in accordance with the announced schedule and continue functioning for as long as necessary to support the special clearing arrangements for government transactions processed through National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT).
In addition to extending branch timings, the SBP has instructed banks to maintain uninterrupted access to digital payment channels. These include internet banking services, mobile banking applications, automated teller machines (ATMs), and other electronic payment platforms to enable taxpayers to make online payments without disruption.
The move is expected to help taxpayers avoid delays and ensure timely settlement of government dues before the end of the financial year. Financial experts believe the extended banking hours will support revenue collection efforts and ease pressure on banking institutions during one of the busiest periods of the fiscal calendar.
The SBP reiterated its commitment to facilitating taxpayers and ensuring efficient processing of government transactions nationwide.
