ISLAMABAD – New year is finally here, and bank doors across Pakistan will stay shut. On Thursday,the State Bank of Pakistan marks its annual bank holiday, pausing public banking services nationwide.
While customers wait outside counters that will not open, bank staff will be inside, working behind the scenes to keep the system running, reminding everyone that this is a bank holiday.
The central bank marks its annual bank holiday, restricting banking services for a while. As counters will not open, bank staff will be inside, working to keep the system running. reminding everyone that this is a bank holiday, not a general day off.
State Bank of Pakistan announced that Thursday, January 1, 2026, will be observed as a mandatory annual bank holiday, bringing all banking services for the public to a complete halt across the country.
On this day, all commercial banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Microfinance Banks (MFBs) will remain closed for public dealing, meaning customers will not be able to conduct over-the-counter transactions at any bank branch nationwide.
Staff will be engaged in internal clearing, reconciliation, and accounting activities, ensuring backend operations continue uninterrupted despite the public closure.
This bank holiday does not qualify as general public holiday. As a result, most government offices, private businesses, and other institutions will remain open and operational on January 1.
The annual bank holiday is a fixed observance every year in Pakistan, and customers are advised to plan their banking activities in advance to avoid inconvenience.
