SBP extends Bank working hours on Saturday

November 28, 2025 (MLN): In a move aimed at facilitating taxpayers, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed all Saturday-opening branches of commercial banks, including National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branches handling customs transactions, to remain open with extended hours on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

According to an SBP press release, the decision is intended to ensure smooth over-the-counter (OTC) collection of government duties and taxes ahead of the month-end.

The central bank further stated that all NBP branches designated for manual collection of government receipts and payments will be required to settle their transactions with the respective SBP-BSC field or head offices on the same day, immediately after the completion of the same-day clearing cycle.

To support same-day settlement, the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) will conduct a Special Clearing at 5:30 PM on November 29.

All instruments related to government receipts and payments presented at bank counters that day will be included in this clearing. NIFT will provide clearing results by 11:30 PM the same night, ensuring timely reconciliation of government transactions.

The central bank said these arrangements have been put in place to facilitate taxpayers and ensure efficient processing of government receipts and payments.

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