Overview
- The State Bank of Pakistan has directed all commercial bank branches to extend working hours until 5:30 p.m. on the designated collection days to ease over‑the‑counter tax and duty payments.
- Saturday‑opening branches must remain open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and banks were told to keep relevant branches open as long as needed to support a special NIFT clearing for government transactions.
- The SBP issued the directive at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue to manage higher volumes of government receipts and reduce queues at payment counters.
- Banks are required to ensure uninterrupted digital services, including internet banking, mobile apps and ATMs, so taxpayers can use electronic channels instead of in‑branch payments.
- These nationwide, short‑term operational measures are standard tools used by the SBP and FBR to speed revenue collection and to ensure interbank settlement runs smoothly during peak deposit periods.