Commercial banks to remain open late on May 29 and 30 to facilitate tax and duty payments across Pakistan
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has requested the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to extend banking hours on May 29 and 30, 2026, to facilitate the smooth collection of government taxes and duties before the fiscal closing period.
Following the request, the State Bank of Pakistan issued instructions to all commercial banks to ensure uninterrupted processing of tax payments through both over-the-counter services and digital banking channels.
According to the SBP notification, all commercial bank branches across Pakistan will remain open until 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, for the collection of government taxes and duties.
The central bank further directed all designated Saturday-opening branches to operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, to facilitate taxpayers and businesses making last-minute payments.
In addition, banks have been instructed to keep relevant branches operational for as long as necessary on May 30 to support special clearing operations related to government transactions processed through National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT).
The SBP also emphasized that commercial banks must ensure uninterrupted availability of digital payment services, including internet banking, mobile banking apps, ATMs and other online payment platforms, enabling taxpayers to pay duties and taxes without disruption.
The extended banking arrangements are aimed at supporting revenue collection targets ahead of the fiscal year closing and reducing last-minute payment congestion at bank branches.
Banking officials said the decision would help improve tax collection efficiency while providing greater convenience to taxpayers across the country.
