State Bank of Pakistan Announces Ramadan Office and Banking Hours. Ramadan brings a change in daily routine across Pakistan. To support employees and customers during fasting, the State Bank of Pakistan has officially announced revised Ramadan 2026 office and banking hours. If you are planning a bank visit, this updated schedule will help you avoid inconvenience.
In this detailed guide, we cover SBP office timings, commercial bank working hours, public dealing schedule, customer advisory, and important FAQs.
Why State Bank of Pakistan Changes Timings in Ramadan
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), as the central bank of Pakistan, adjusts working hours every Ramadan. This step ensures:
- Smooth banking operations
- Employee comfort during fasting
- Public dealing efficiency
- Compliance with Islamic traditions
Ramadan is a spiritually significant month. Government departments and financial institutions follow shorter working hours to balance productivity and religious obligations.
State Bank of Pakistan Office Timings During Ramadan 2026
The SBP has confirmed that its offices will operate six working hours daily during Ramadan 2026.
Official SBP Ramadan Schedule
| Days | Office Timings | Break |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | No break |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | No break |
These timings apply to SBP headquarters and all regional offices across Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta.
What This Means for Businesses
If your business relies on:
- Interbank settlements
- Treasury operations
- Government transactions
- Regulatory submissions
You must align your operations with the revised Ramadan office hours.
Commercial Banks Ramadan 2026 Working Hours
All commercial banks operating under SBP supervision will follow the same Ramadan working schedule.
Commercial Banks Public Dealing Hours
| Days | Public Dealing Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
These hours apply to:
- Habib Bank Limited (HBL)
- National Bank of Pakistan (NBP)
- United Bank Limited (UBL)
- MCB Bank
- Bank Alfalah
- Meezan Bank
- Allied Bank Limited
Banks will not observe a lunch break during these hours.
Important Clarification: Office Hours vs Public Dealing Hours
Many customers confuse internal office hours with public dealing hours.
Office Hours
These include backend operations, clearing, settlements, compliance, and internal administration.
Public Dealing Hours
These are customer service hours. You can:
- Deposit cash
- Withdraw money
- Submit cheque
- Open accounts
- Request bank statements
In Ramadan 2026, both office and public dealing hours remain aligned.
How Ramadan Banking Hours Impact Customers
The revised schedule may affect:
1. Salary Withdrawals
Try to visit early in the day to avoid rush.
2. Cheque Clearance
Clearing timelines may adjust slightly due to reduced working hours.
3. Business Transactions
Corporate clients should coordinate with treasury departments in advance.
4. International Transfers
SWIFT transactions may follow standard cut-off times but confirm with your branch.
Digital Banking During Ramadan 2026
Good news. Digital services remain available 24/7.
You can use:
- Mobile banking apps
- Internet banking portals
- ATM machines
- Cash deposit machines
- Raast instant payment system
Digital banking reduces branch visits and saves time during fasting hours.
Public Advisory for Ramadan 2026
Customers are advised to:
- Visit banks before 1:00 PM to avoid last-hour rush
- Confirm branch-specific notices
- Use online banking when possible
- Plan business transactions early in the week
The revised schedule ensures uninterrupted financial services while respecting the spiritual environment of Ramadan.
Economic and Operational Perspective
From an economic standpoint, shorter office hours do not slow financial activity significantly.
The SBP ensures:
- Liquidity management
- Currency circulation stability
- Interbank market functioning
- Monetary policy implementation
Pakistan’s banking system remains operational and efficient even during Ramadan.
Ramadan 2026 Banking Hours – Quick Overview
| Institution | Monday–Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|
| State Bank of Pakistan | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Commercial Banks | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Digital Banking | 24/7 | 24/7 |
FAQs
What are the State Bank of Pakistan office timings in Ramadan 2026?
SBP offices will operate from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday to Thursday and 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Friday without any break.
Do commercial banks follow the same Ramadan schedule?
Yes. All commercial banks in Pakistan follow the SBP directive and operate under the same working hours during Ramadan 2026.
Are banks closed earlier in Ramadan?
Banks close at 3:00 PM on weekdays and 12:30 PM on Fridays. These hours are shorter compared to regular working days.
Is digital banking affected during Ramadan?
No. Mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, and online transfers remain available 24/7.
Do these timings apply nationwide?
Yes. The revised schedule applies to all major cities and provinces of Pakistan.
Conclusion
The State Bank of Pakistan Ramadan 2026 office and banking hours are designed to maintain financial stability while respecting religious commitments. Both SBP offices and commercial banks will operate from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays and until 12:30 PM on Fridays.
