The State Bank of Pakistan has directed banks to keep selected branches open and extend working hours from June 27 to June 30 to facilitate the collection of government duties and taxes.The decision was taken on the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to help taxpayers make payments through Over-the-Counter channels and Alternate Delivery Channels.

According to the SBP notice issued on June 24, all Saturday-opening branches of commercial banks and National Bank of Pakistan branches handling customs collections will remain open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 27, 2026. All branches of commercial banks and NBP branches handling customs collections will observe extended working hours until 8:00 pm on Monday, June 29, 2026.On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, these branches will remain open until 10:00 pm.

NBP branches handling Custom collections will remain open further until 11:59 pm on June 30. The SBP also advised banks to ensure that concerned branches remain open for as long as required to facilitate special clearing of government transactions conducted by NIFT.Banks have also been directed to ensure the uninterrupted availability of digital payment channels, including internet banking, mobile banking applications, ATMs, and other digital platforms, for online payment of government duties and taxes.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)