Commercial banks directed to remain open late on May 29-30 to facilitate duty and tax payments
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has requested the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to extend banking hours on May 29 and 30, 2026 to facilitate the collection of government duties and taxes.
Following the request, the SBP issued directives to commercial banks to ensure smooth processing of tax payments for taxpayers through both over-the-counter and digital channels.
According to the central bank, all branches of commercial banks will remain open until 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, to facilitate over-the-counter payment of government duties and taxes.
The SBP further directed that all Saturday-opening bank branches remain operational from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Banks have also been instructed to keep relevant branches open for as long as necessary on May 30 to support special clearing operations for government transactions conducted through National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT).
In addition, the central bank directed commercial banks to ensure uninterrupted availability of digital payment channels, including internet banking, mobile banking applications, ATMs and other online platforms, to facilitate timely payment of taxes and duties.
The extended banking arrangements are part of efforts to support revenue collection ahead of the fiscal closing period and ensure taxpayers can complete payments without disruption.
Banking officials said the move would help reduce last-minute payment congestion and improve tax collection efficiency.
