SBP directs banks to facilitate tax payments on May 29-30

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday directed banks to observe extended working hours on May 29-30, 2026 to facilitate taxpayers in payment of duty and taxes.

To facilitate taxpayers in making over-the-counter (OTC) payment of government duties and taxes, it has been decided, on the request of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), that all branches of commercial banks shall observe extended working hours until 05:30 P.M. on Friday, May 29, 2026. All Saturday-opening branches of commercial banks shall remain open from 09:00 A.M. to 05:30 P.M. on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Further, banks are advised to keep their concerned branches open on May 30, 2026 for as long as required to facilitate the Special Clearing for Government transactions conducted by NIFT.

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.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026