The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued official bank timings for the holy month of Ramadan 2026.
According to the notification, public dealing at all private and government banks will be conducted from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, bank timings will be reduced, with operations ending at 12:00 PM.
The schedule comes into effect following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent, with the first fast beginning on February 19. Banks across the country are required to strictly adhere to these bank timings throughout the month to ensure smooth operations and accommodate customers observing fasting hours.
SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad also addressed the availability of newly designed currency notes. He confirmed that the new notes, featuring enhanced security measures, will not be in circulation by Eid al-Fitr 2026. The delay is due to time required for printing and building sufficient stock after federal cabinet approval.
The governor added that the redesigned notes will make it easier for citizens to identify genuine currency and prevent counterfeiting.
In other updates, Ahmad revealed that major banks from three countries have expressed interest in opening operations in Pakistan. Negotiations are ongoing, but names have not been disclosed.
Regarding monetary policy, the SBP governor clarified that reducing interest rates does not automatically increase government savings. Lower rates decrease SBP profits, which are then transferred to the government. Last year, SBP contributed approximately Rs2.4 trillion in profits. He emphasized that reduced rates could make housing loans more accessible to the public.
Ahmad also projected remittances to reach $42 billion this year, while overall exports may slightly decline. Non-food exports grew by 5–6 percent, though rice exports fell. He highlighted government support aimed at boosting rice exports and noted improvements in digital payments, with around two million merchants expected to be digitized in 2026. Financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has also increased by Rs150 billion.
Citizens are advised to plan banking activities in accordance with the official bank timings during Ramadan to avoid inconvenience.
In other news read more about: Punjab Government Announces Revised Office Timings for Ramadan
