Karachi, September 13, 2024 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced a bank holiday on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, in observance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa-Sallam), the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The central bank shared the announcement in an official communication sent to the presidents and chief executives of all banks, development financial institutions (DFIs), and microfinance banks (MFBs) across the country.
According to the notification, the SBP and all banking institutions under its jurisdiction will remain closed on September 17, which corresponds to the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1446 A.H. This holiday is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, as it commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a day observed with reverence and devotion by Muslims around the world.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi is a day marked by religious gatherings, special prayers, and processions in Pakistan, with citizens honoring the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The central bank’s decision to close on this day aligns with the government’s broader observance of public holidays for religious events.
In its official statement, the SBP directed all banks and financial institutions to ensure that their customers and employees are informed about the upcoming holiday. The bank holiday will apply nationwide, and regular banking operations will resume on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
While the banking sector will be closed for the public, automated services such as ATMs, mobile banking, and online banking platforms will remain available during the holiday, allowing customers to carry out essential transactions and access their funds without interruption. The SBP has emphasized the importance of ensuring that all automated systems are fully functional to minimize any inconvenience to the public during the closure.
The announcement of the bank holiday provides an opportunity for financial institutions to pause operations while also ensuring that digital and self-service banking options continue to meet the needs of consumers during this significant religious occasion.
As Eid Milad-un-Nabi approaches, celebrations and preparations are already underway across Pakistan, with mosques and public spaces being adorned in lights and decorations in honor of the Prophet’s birth. The day is also used as an occasion to reflect on his teachings of peace, compassion, and humility, values that continue to inspire Muslims globally.
