SBP allows opening of selected bank branches on Saturdays

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has allowed banks and Microfinance Banks (MFBs) to open selected branches on Saturdays.

As per the directives issued through BPRD Circular No. 11 dated October 14, 2011, banks and MFBs were permitted to open their selected branches at various business centers, commercial hubs, ports, etc, on Saturdays.

However, subsequent to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, on March 23, 2020 banks and MFBs were advised to open their branches or work places with bare minimum staff for reduced timings from Monday to Friday until further instructions.

Since the banks and MFBs have been reverted to normal office and business hours, hence it has been decided that banks and MFBs may open selected branches on Saturdays in line with previous instructions subject to implementation of SOPs and guidelines issued by the Federal & Provincial Governments, from time to time.

All other instructions regarding opening of selected branches on Saturdays shall, however, remain unchanged.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020