On the request of the Federal Board of Revenue, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided that branches of all commercial banks, including NBP branches handling customs collection, shall remain open from 09am to 01pm on February 28, i.e. Saturday. The decision was made to facilitate taxpayers in making over-the-counter (OTC) payments of government duties and taxes, said SBP. “The banks have been advised to keep their concerned branches open on February 28, 2026, for as long as required to facilitate the Special Clearing for Government transactions conducted by NIFT,” the press release read. The banks shall also ensure uninterrupted availability of their online payment channels, i.e. internet banking, mobile applications, ATMs, and other digital platforms to facilitate the online payment of Government duties and taxes, the statement added. Earlier, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had announced revised office and business (banking) hours for the month of Ramadan 2026, which will be observed by all banks, development finance institutions (DFIs) and microfinance banks across the country. According to a circular issued by the central bank, SBP offices will remain open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, without a break during Ramadan. On Fridays, office hours will be from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, without a break. The central bank further advised banks to observe the following business (banking) hours for public dealing during the holy month: from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, without a break. On Fridays, banking hours for public dealing will be from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, without a break.