SBP directs selected banks to stay open on Saturday and Sunday

At the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the State Bank of Pakistan has directed banks handling customs collections to remain open on this Saturday and Sunday to facilitate tax payments. According to a statement issued on Friday, the SBP has directed all commercial banks, including National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branches handling customs collections, to remain open on Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to facilitate over-the-counter (OTC) payment of government duties and taxes. Banks have also been instructed to keep relevant branches operational on May 24 for as long as necessary to support special clearing of government transactions conducted through NIFT. In addition, all banks must ensure the uninterrupted availability of digital payment services, including internet banking, mobile banking apps, ATMs, and other online platforms, to enable the smooth payment of government taxes and duties. SBP notifies bank holidays for Eid-ul-Azha 2026