Revised Banking Hours for Ramazan 2026. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially announced revised office and banking hours for Ramazan 2026, providing clarity for financial institutions and the general public across the country. The updated schedule will be applicable during the holy month of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak 1447 AH and will be followed by all banks and microfinance institutions operating in Pakistan.
These temporary changes are introduced every year to accommodate the spiritual and physical routines observed during Ramazan while ensuring smooth banking operations nationwide.
SBP Office Hours During Ramazan 2026
According to the official notification issued by the State Bank of Pakistan, the central bank and all financial institutions under its regulatory framework will observe adjusted office timings during Ramazan.
The revised office hours are as follows:
Monday to Thursday:
09:00 AM to 03:00 PM (without break)
Friday:
09:00 AM to 12:30 PM (without break)
These timings will be applicable to the State Bank of Pakistan as well as all banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), and microfinance banks across the country.
The SBP has emphasized that all institutions must strictly follow these revised working hours throughout the holy month.
Banking Hours for Public Dealing
In addition to internal office timings, the central bank has also announced separate business hours for public dealing, which are slightly shorter to facilitate both customers and bank staff during fasting hours.
The public dealing (banking) hours are as follows:
Monday to Thursday:
09:00 AM to 02:00 PM (without break)
Friday:
09:00 AM to 12:30 PM (without break)
During these hours, customers will be able to conduct all regular banking activities, including cash deposits, withdrawals, fund transfers, and other financial services.
Applicability to All Financial Institutions
The State Bank has clarified that these revised Ramazan timings will not only apply to conventional banks but also to:
- Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)
- Microfinance Banks (MFBs)
- Islamic banking institutions
- Branchless banking service providers
This unified schedule ensures consistency across the entire financial sector, allowing customers to access services without confusion regarding operating hours.
Purpose Behind Revised Ramazan Timings
The adjustment of banking hours during Ramazan is a longstanding practice in Pakistan. The primary objective is to accommodate the unique routine followed during the holy month, where working hours are generally shortened to help employees balance professional responsibilities with religious obligations.
By reducing office hours and eliminating breaks, banks aim to maintain productivity while providing a more comfortable work environment for fasting staff.
Moreover, shorter public dealing hours help banks manage operational efficiency, ensuring quality service delivery during peak Ramazan days.
Impact on Customers and Businesses
The revised banking hours are expected to impact both individual customers and businesses that rely on daily financial transactions. People who frequently visit bank branches are advised to plan their visits earlier in the day to avoid inconvenience.
For businesses, especially retailers and traders, understanding the new schedule is crucial for managing payments, supplier transactions, and salary disbursements during Ramazan.
Many customers are also encouraged to use digital banking channels, such as mobile apps, internet banking, and ATMs, which remain operational 24/7 despite reduced branch hours.
Digital Banking to Play a Key Role
With shorter branch timings during Ramazan, digital banking services are expected to play an even more important role. Most banks in Pakistan have significantly expanded their online and mobile banking platforms, allowing users to perform transactions anytime.
Customers can utilize:
- Mobile banking apps
- Online fund transfers
- ATM services
- Branchless banking agents
These alternatives ensure uninterrupted access to financial services, even outside standard banking hours.
Post-Ramazan Banking Timings
The State Bank of Pakistan has confirmed that the revised Ramazan schedule is temporary. Once the holy month concludes, all banks and financial institutions will automatically revert to their regular pre-Ramazan working hours.
This automatic transition eliminates the need for additional notifications and helps maintain operational continuity across the banking sector.
Customers are advised to stay updated through official bank announcements and SBP notifications for any further changes.
Public Awareness and Advisory
The central bank has encouraged banks to ensure maximum public awareness regarding Ramazan timings through official websites, SMS alerts, and branch notices.
Customers are advised to:
- Visit branches early during Ramazan
- Use digital banking whenever possible
- Confirm timings with their respective banks
Such precautions can help avoid last-minute inconvenience, especially during peak days like the last Ashra of Ramazan and Eid preparations.
Conclusion
The announcement of revised banking hours for Ramazan 2026 by the State Bank of Pakistan provides clarity and convenience for both financial institutions and customers. With reduced office hours, shorter public dealing timings, and continued digital banking support, the new schedule aims to balance operational efficiency with the spiritual significance of the holy month.
