For facilitation in tax collection, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday asked all commercial banks to observe extended working hours on Friday and Saturday, May 29 and 30, 2026, along with ensuring uninterrupted availability of their online payment channels.
The central bank has taken the decision on the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), to facilitate taxpayers in making over-the-counter (OTC) payment of Government duties and taxes, said a statement issued here.
“All branches of commercial banks shall observe extended working hours until 05:30 P.M. on Friday, May 29, 2026. All Saturday-opening branches of commercial banks shall remain open from 09:00 A.M. to 05:30 P.M. on Saturday, May 30, 2026,” it reads.
To facilitate taxpayers in making over-the-counter payment of Government duties and taxes, all branches of commercial banks shall observe extended working hours until 5:30 P.M. on Friday, May 29, 2026. All Saturday-opening branches of commercial banks shall remain open from 9:00… pic.twitter.com/bz4m94DTYa
— SBP (@StateBank_Pak) May 25, 2026
To facilitate the online tax payments, the banks shall also ensure uninterrupted availability of their online payment channels i.e. internet banking, mobile applications, ATMs, and other digital platforms.
The SBP further advised banks to keep their concerned branches open on May 30, 2026 for as long as required to facilitate the Special Clearing for Government transactions conducted by NIFT.
