Karachi, December 21, 2024 – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially declared a bank holiday on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, to observe Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas, in line with the public holiday declaration made by the Government of Pakistan.
In a formal communication addressed to the presidents and chief executives of all banks, development financial institutions (DFIs), and microfinance banks (MFBs), the SBP confirmed that all financial institutions across the country will remain closed on December 25, 2024. The holiday will commemorate two significant occasions: Quaid-e-Azam Day, which honors the birth of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and Christmas, celebrated by Christians around the world.
Quaid-e-Azam Day is a national event dedicated to reflecting on the leadership and vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose unwavering commitment to the idea of an independent Muslim state led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947. This day serves as a reminder of his pivotal role in the country’s history and a time to celebrate the ideals he set for Pakistan.
Christmas, observed on December 25, is an important religious holiday for Christians, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. The observance of Christmas as a public holiday in Pakistan highlights the country’s commitment to recognizing the diverse religious communities that make up the nation. It provides an opportunity for the Christian community in Pakistan to come together and celebrate their faith, while also fostering an inclusive spirit of respect and unity across different cultures and religions.
The SBP announcement ensures that all banking activities, including financial transactions and operations, will be paused for the day. However, banks, DFIs, and MFBs will resume their normal services on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
The holiday, falling in the middle of the week, provides a welcome break for both public and private sector employees. It also offers an opportunity for reflection on Pakistan’s historical milestones, while allowing the Christian community in the country to celebrate their religious traditions in peace and harmony. The joint observance of Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas underscores Pakistan’s commitment to honoring its diverse heritage and promoting national unity.