SBP Ramadan Timing 2026: State Bank Office & Public Dealing Schedule
SBP Ramadan Timing 2026: Official State Bank Circular, Office & Public Hours Revealed
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially issued the much-awaited circular regarding bank timings for the holy month of Ramadan 1447 A.H. (2026). As the nation prepares for the first fast, expected to fall on February 19, 2026, the central bank has revised the working and public dealing hours for all commercial banks, microfinance banks, and development finance institutions (DFIs) across Pakistan.
Official SBP Notification Update | Dated: February 22, 2026 | Written By: 24 Urdu News HD Desk
 |
| The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has notified the official bank timings for Ramadan 2026. (Photo: 24 Urdu News HD) |
Staying informed about ramadan bank timing 2026 pakistan is crucial for businesses, salaried individuals, and traders to avoid the midday rush and ensure their financial transactions are completed within the shortened windows. In this "Masterpiece Guide," we break down the SBP circulars, the Zakat Nisab threshold, and the 1st Ramadan bank holiday details.
The Official SBP Ramadan Timing 2026 Circular
According to the state bank of pakistan ramadan timing 2026 circular issued on February 17, 2026, by the Banking Policy & Regulations Department (BPRD), the new schedule aims to balance the needs of fasting employees with the essential service requirements of the public. Below are the specific timings as mandated by the state bank of pakistan.
1. Office Hours (For Bank Staff)
For internal operations and back-end processing, bank employees will follow these hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM (Without any break)
- Friday: 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM (Without any break)
2. Public Dealing Hours (For Customers)
If you need to visit a branch for cash deposit, withdrawal, or account services, these are the state bank of pakistan ramadan timing 2026 hours you must follow:
- Monday to Thursday: 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM (Without any break)
- Friday: 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM (Without any break)
Note: After the holy month of Ramadan, all banks will automatically revert to their standard pre-Ramadan working hours.
Zakat Nisab 2026: Rs. 503,529 Threshold Announced
Along with the timing announcement, the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, in coordination with the State Bank of Pakistan, has notified the Zakat Nisab for the year 2026. This is a critical piece of information for all saving account holders.
Nisab for Zakat 2026: The minimum balance required for Zakat deduction at source is Rs. 503,529.
If your savings account, profit-and-loss sharing (PLS) account, or similar deposit account holds a balance equal to or greater than Rs. 503,529 on the 1st of Ramadan, the bank will automatically deduct 2.5% as Zakat. If your balance is even one rupee less than this threshold, no deduction will occur.
Bank Holiday on 1st Ramadan 2026
As per the standard sbp circulars, the first day of Ramadan is declared a "Bank Holiday" for public dealing.
- Status: All banks, DFIs, and MFBs will remain CLOSED for the public on 1st Ramadan (likely Feb 19/20).
- Staff Attendance: Bank employees are still required to attend the office as it is treated as a normal working day for internal "Bank Holiday" purposes (Zakat processing).
- Digital Services: ATMs, Internet Banking, and Mobile Apps will remain functional 24/7 during this holiday.
Comparison: Ramadan vs. Normal Bank Timings in Pakistan
To help you plan your week, here is a quick reference table comparing the 2026 Ramadan schedule with regular hours.
| Day | Public Dealing (Normal) | Public Dealing (Ramadan 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM | 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM |
| Friday | 09:00 AM - 12:30 PM* | 09:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
*Regular Friday timings often include a prayer break, which is removed in the continuous Ramadan schedule.
Expert Tips for Banking in Ramadan 2026
Banking during fasting hours can be challenging due to shorter windows and high crowds. Follow these expert tips from 24 Urdu News HD:
- Early Bird Advantage: The sbp ramadan timing 2026 starts at 9:00 AM. Try to reach the bank by 9:30 AM to avoid the 1:00 PM rush before closing.
- Check Your Balance: Since the Zakat Nisab is Rs. 503,529, check your mobile app today. If you have submitted a Zakat Exemption Form (CZ-50), ensure it is processed before 1st Ramadan.
- Friday Warning: Friday is a very short day (only 3.5 hours of dealing). Avoid Friday for complex tasks like account opening or locker visits.
- Use Digital Banking: Most state bank of pakistan regulated banks now offer robust apps. Use them for utility bill payments and fund transfers to avoid standing in lines while fasting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will ATMs work on the 1st Ramadan Bank Holiday?
A: Yes, all digital channels, including ATMs and mobile apps, remain fully operational even when the physical branches are closed for public dealing.
Q: Are these timings applicable to private banks like HBL, UBL, or Meezan?
A: Yes. All commercial, private, and Islamic banks in Pakistan must strictly follow the sbp circulars regarding Ramadan timings.
Q: What happens if Ramadan starts on a Friday?
A: If the moon is sighted such that Friday is the 1st of Ramadan, the Bank Holiday will be observed on Friday, and banks will open for public dealing on the following Monday with the revised Ramadan schedule.
Conclusion
The state bank of pakistan ramadan timing 2026 serves as a vital guide for the millions of citizens observing the holy month. With office hours ending at 3:00 PM and public hours at 2:00 PM, planning is key. Keep an eye on the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announcement tonight to confirm the exact date of the 1st Ramadan bank holiday.
24 Urdu News HD Desk ✔
24 Urdu News HD Desk is the editorial team delivering verified and timely news from Pakistan and around the world. Our coverage includes national, international, business, sports, technology, health, science, and entertainment news, following responsible journalism standards.
24 Urdu News HD Desk is the editorial team delivering verified and timely news from Pakistan and around the world. Our coverage includes national, international, business, sports, technology, health, science, and entertainment news, following responsible journalism standards.
0 Response to "SBP Ramadan Timing 2026: State Bank Office & Public Dealing Schedule"
Post a Comment