The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that banks will remain closed on Monday, March 23, on the occasion of Pakistan Day. In a statement, the central bank said it will observe a public holiday as declared by the Government of Pakistan.
Pakistan Day is celebrated every year on March 23 to remember the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which demanded a separate and independent state for the Muslims of the subcontinent. This historic resolution was passed in Lahore at the site where Minar-e-Pakistan now stands, marking an important step toward the creation of Pakistan.
#SBP will remain closed on March 23, 2026 being public holiday on the occasion of 'Pakistan Day' as declared by the Government of Pakistan.https://t.co/gZcnwu35IJ pic.twitter.com/2t1E1VbqtH
— SBP (@StateBank_Pak) March 16, 2026
With March 23 declared a bank holiday, bank employees are expected to enjoy a four-day break during the Eid ul Fitr holidays. The government has already announced public holidays on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, for Eid ul Fitr. Since March 22 falls on Sunday, the additional holiday on March 23 will extend the break.
Meanwhile, experts believe Eid ul Fitr is likely to be celebrated on March 21 this year, as Pakistan is expected to complete 30 days of Ramadan. According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST.
