The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed all commercial banks to operate on Saturday, November 29, 2025, to help taxpayers make over-the-counter (OTC) payments of government duties and taxes. National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) branches handling customs duties will also remain open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
This initiative aims to provide convenience to taxpayers who need to submit government receipts or payments in person. The SBP emphasized that NBP-designated branches manually collecting government payments must settle their transactions with the respective SBP-BSC field or head office on the same day. This will follow the completion of the same-day clearing cycle.
To ensure timely settlements, all instruments related to government receipts and payments presented at banks on November 29 will be collected through NIFT’s Special Clearing by 5:30 pm. The clearing results of these instruments will then be provided by 11:30 pm on the same day.
Officials highlighted that this extended schedule is part of the government’s efforts to facilitate taxpayers and maintain efficient financial operations. By keeping banks open on Saturday, taxpayers will have additional opportunities to submit payments without facing weekday rushes or delays.
The SBP also stressed that commercial banks must strictly follow the schedule and ensure proper reporting and settlement with SBP field offices. This measure is expected to reduce congestion at bank branches and streamline the process for government receipts and payments.
Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the designated branches and make their OTC payments on the specified date. Authorities assured that all necessary arrangements have been made to provide smooth operations at the branches and ensure compliance with same-day settlement requirements.
This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting taxpayers while ensuring efficient handling of government transactions across the banking sector.
In other news read more about: Banks Will Be Open on Weekends to Collect Taxes
