Banks directed to extend branch hours and keep digital payment channels operational to facilitate tax payments
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed all commercial banks to extend banking hours and ensure uninterrupted digital payment services during the closing days of fiscal year 2025-26 to facilitate the timely collection of government taxes and duties.
The central bank said the arrangements have been made at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to support smooth tax collection through both Over-the-Counter (OTC) services and Alternate Delivery Channels (ADCs) before the fiscal year ends on June 30.
According to the SBP, all Saturday-opening branches of commercial banks, along with National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branches authorised to collect Customs duties, will remain open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The central bank has also instructed banks to extend business hours during the final two working days of the fiscal year. Under the revised schedule, designated branches will remain open until 8:00pm on Monday, June 29, 2026, and 10:00pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
To facilitate last-minute Customs duty payments, NBP branches handling Customs collections will continue operations until 11:59pm on June 30, allowing taxpayers to complete transactions before the close of the financial year.
The SBP further directed banks to ensure that designated branches remain operational for as long as required to support the Special Clearing of Government Transactions conducted through National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT).
In addition to extended branch operations, the central bank emphasised that all digital banking platforms must remain fully functional throughout the period. Banks have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted availability of internet banking, mobile banking applications, automated teller machines (ATMs), and other electronic payment channels to enable taxpayers to pay government taxes and duties conveniently.
The annual extension of banking hours is intended to help individuals and businesses fulfil their tax obligations before the end of the fiscal year while supporting the FBR’s revenue collection efforts for FY2025-26.
Tax experts say the additional banking hours and uninterrupted digital payment facilities are expected to reduce congestion at branches during the year-end rush and encourage greater use of online payment channels. The initiative also reflects the SBP’s continued focus on improving payment system efficiency and supporting seamless government revenue collection through both physical and digital banking infrastructure.
