Designated branches of commercial banks will remain open late on Saturday to facilitate over-the-counter tax payments, while digital banking channels will continue operating.

Karachi, October 29, 2026: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed designated branches of all commercial banks to remain open until 8:00pm on Saturday, October 31, to facilitate taxpayers making government duty and tax payments on the last day of the month.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the central bank said the decision had been taken at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to facilitate over-the-counter (OTC) payments of government duties and taxes.

READ MORE: FBR opens tax collection windows on October 31 for return filers

The SBP directed branches designated for Saturday opening to extend their working hours until 8:00pm on October 31, enabling taxpayers to complete their payments before the end of the month.

The central bank also instructed commercial banks to ensure the uninterrupted availability of digital payment channels, including internet banking, mobile banking applications, automated teller machines (ATMs) and other digital platforms.

The measure is intended to provide taxpayers with multiple options for depositing government dues, whether through bank counters or electronic payment facilities.

Banks have further been advised to keep their relevant branches open on October 31 for as long as necessary to facilitate special clearing of government receipts conducted by the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT).

The extended banking hours are aimed at ensuring the timely processing of tax payments and government receipts on the final day of October.

Taxpayers planning to make over-the-counter payments have been advised to check the availability of their designated bank branches before visiting.