Commercial banks across Pakistan will open selected branches on Saturday, February 28, from 9am to 1pm. This step follows the State Bank of Pakistan’s directions to support taxpayers during the busy tax period.
The decision came after a request from the Federal Board of Revenue to make it easier for people to pay government duties and taxes in person. By opening branches on weekends, banks aim to reduce rush, long queues, and last-minute stress for businesses and individuals.
Why Selected Branches Will Open
Not all branches will operate. Only designated branches, including certain National Bank of Pakistan branches that handle customs collections, will remain open during the announced hours. These branches will process tax and duty payments smoothly and without delay.
Banks have also been told to keep relevant branches open for as long as needed to complete Special Clearing for Government Transactions conducted by National Institutional Facilitation Technologies. This ensures that payments made on Saturday are cleared properly and on time.
Digital Banking Will Remain Active
In addition to physical branches, customers can continue using internet banking, mobile apps, and ATMs. The central bank has directed financial institutions to keep all digital channels fully active. This means taxpayers can choose the method that suits them best, whether visiting a branch or paying online.
Ramadan 2026 Banking Hours
Earlier, the State Bank also announced revised office and banking hours for Ramadan 2026. These timings apply to banks, development finance institutions, and microfinance banks across the country.
Below is a simple table to understand the updated schedule:
| Day | SBP Office Hours | Public Dealing Hours (Banks) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 9am to 3pm | 9am to 2pm |
| Friday | 9am to 12:30pm | 9am to 12:30pm |
| Saturday (Selected Branches) | As Required | 9am to 1pm (Tax Payments) |
This initiative reflects a coordinated effort between regulators and banks to make tax payments easier, faster, and more convenient for everyone.













