Banks across Pakistan will remain closed for public transactions on Thursday, January 1, 2026, following a notification issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
According to the central bank’s official announcement, January 1 has been declared a bank holiday, during which all scheduled banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), and microfinance banks will suspend public dealings for the day.
The SBP clarified that while customer-facing services will not be available, bank employees will report to work as usual. This means internal operations, administrative work, and backend processes may continue, even though branches will remain closed to the public.
What Will Be Closed?
As per the SBP notification, the following institutions will remain closed for public transactions on January 1:
- Commercial banks
- Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)
- Microfinance banks
Customers visiting bank branches on that day will not be able to carry out services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, cheque clearances, account openings, or other over-the-counter transactions.
Digital and Online Banking Services
Although physical branches will be closed, digital banking channels are expected to remain operational, allowing customers to carry out basic transactions through:
- Mobile banking apps
- Internet banking portals
- ATMs
- Debit and credit card services
However, customers are advised to plan ahead, especially for transactions that require branch visits, such as large cash dealings, certified documents, or in-person verifications.
Reason for the Bank Holiday
January 1 is traditionally observed as a bank holiday in Pakistan, marking the beginning of the new calendar year. The closure aligns with annual banking schedules and does not affect interbank settlements already planned around the holiday.
Financial experts recommend that businesses, traders, and individuals ensure essential banking needs are completed in advance to avoid inconvenience, particularly those linked to payrolls, bill payments, or time-sensitive financial commitments.
Public Advisory
The State Bank of Pakistan has urged customers to:
- Complete urgent banking tasks before December 31
- Use digital channels where possible
- Check with their respective banks for any service-specific updates
Normal banking operations for public transactions are expected to resume on the next working day, following the holiday.