In a bid to make tax compliance easier for the public, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed all commercial bank branches to remain open on Saturday, February 28, 2026. This special arrangement aims to give individual and corporate taxpayers extra time to pay government duties and taxes before the deadline. SBP’s decision comes at the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and seeks to minimise last-minute hassles for citizens and businesses.
Special Saturday Opening for Tax Payments
According to the SBP circular, all commercial bank branches including National Bank of Pakistan outlets handling customs collections will operate from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on February 28. The central bank also emphasised that if necessary, branches can extend hours beyond this window to make sure taxpayers can complete over-the-counter (OTC) payments of government duties and taxes without facing unnecessary delays.
This arrangement is part of a coordinated effort between the SBP and FBR to ensure smooth special clearing of government tax receipts through the National Institutional Facilitation Technologies (NIFT) system. Banks have been instructed to keep their internet banking, mobile apps, ATMs and other digital payment channels functioning without disruption so that taxpayers can choose from multiple payment options.
Why This Matters for Taxpayers
In Pakistan, most taxpayers and businesses must settle their regular government dues on time to avoid late payment penalties and complications with the Federal Board of Revenue. FBR deadlines often coincide with weekends or public holidays, creating challenges for those who rely on physical bank visits to make payments. By keeping branches open on a weekend, authorities are directly addressing a common pain point.
Taxpayers who prefer to visit a branch face fewer risks of queues and paperwork issues when they can go during extended hours. For those who use digital payment platforms, the directive ensures that online systems remain accessible and unaffected by maintenance work or outages during the special opening.
Read More: Federal Government Announces Ramadan 2026 Office Timings Across Pakistan
Bank Hours and Ramadan Schedule
The announcement also comes amid newly announced banking hours for the Ramadan 2026 season. Earlier this month, SBP issued a circular setting revised public dealing times for bank branches throughout the holy month. Under those guidelines, banks would normally work from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Fridays.
The special Saturday arrangement is an exception to this Ramadan schedule and reflects the authorities’ commitment to easing compliance burdens during a busy fiscal period. Taxpayers are encouraged to plan their visits during the designated hours and to make use of digital banking channels wherever possible.
Read More: SBP Declares Bank Holiday on Ramadan’s First Day for Zakat Deduction
How This Helps the Economy
Extending banking services for tax collection on a weekend has multiple benefits. It not only supports tax compliance but also promotes trust and convenience in government-bank relations. Reliable tax collection is critical for funding public services and development programmes. Ensuring multiple channels for payment helps both individuals and companies meet their obligations on time, reducing stress on financial systems and enhancing overall economic efficiency.
As Pakistan continues to emphasise better fiscal discipline and taxpayer convenience, initiatives like this weekend bank opening are likely to be welcomed by citizens and businesses across the country.
