KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday revised timings for banks and microfinance banks to be observed from July 13, 2020.

The central bank said that effective from July 13, 2020, the banks/MFBs shall observe the following office timings till further orders.

However, banks/MFBs may prescribe business hours for branches as per their business requirement subject to observance of SBP business (banking) hours for public dealings as notified vide BPRD Circular Letter No. 20 dated April 23, 2020.

The timings shall be:

Monday to Thursday: 09:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (with prayer / lunch break from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

Friday: 09:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (with prayer / lunch break from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.)

The SBP said that all banks / MFBs are accordingly advised to ensure compliance of the above-mentioned timings in letter and spirit.

The revised timings were aimed at ensuring smooth banking operations while maintaining appropriate arrangements for customers and employees. Banks and microfinance institutions were required to communicate the updated schedules to their staff and customers and ensure that branch operations remained aligned with the prescribed public dealing hours. The SBP also advised institutions to comply with the notification.

This measure was intended to maintain consistency in banking operations across the country.