Pakistan SBP and PSX Announced Shorter Working Hours for Ramadan
Pakistan SBP and PSX Announced Shorter Working Hours for Ramadan With the start of Ramadan in Pakistan, financial institutions across the country have officially shifted to revised working hours. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced shorter banking hours for public dealings, while the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has also adjusted its trading schedule for the holy month. These changes are implemented every year, but each time they carry fresh importance because millions of Pakistanis rely on banks and stock markets for their daily financial needs.
As someone who has covered Ramadan-related financial updates for years, I have seen how critical these announcements are for ordinary citizens. Whether you are a government employee waiting for salary credit, a shopkeeper depositing daily cash, a business owner clearing payments, or an investor trading shares, these revised hours directly affect your routine. Ramadan already brings a shift in daily life, and financial planning becomes even more important during this time.
Revised SBP Banking Hours for Public Dealing During Ramadan
The State Bank of Pakistan has clearly announced that all banks will operate on reduced public dealing hours throughout Ramadan. According to the official notification, banks will remain open for customers from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, banking hours for public dealings will be from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Importantly, the SBP has stated that these timings will be observed without any break.
This shorter window means customers must manage their visits carefully. In previous years, I have personally observed that banks become crowded near closing time, especially during the first and last Ashra of Ramadan. People rush to complete withdrawals, deposits, cheque clearances, and business transactions before the limited hours end. Therefore, early visits are always more convenient.
These Ramadan banking hours apply nationwide and are mandatory for all commercial banks operating under SBP regulations. While internal staff working hours may vary slightly, public dealing hours will strictly follow the announced schedule.
Key details about Ramadan banking timings:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
- No break during working hours
- Timings applicable only for the month of Ramadan
- Online and mobile banking services will continue as usual
For many Pakistanis, especially small traders and pensioners, understanding these revised banking hours is essential to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
First Ramadan Bank Holiday for Zakat Deduction
In addition to shorter working hours, the State Bank has also declared the first day of Ramadan as a Bank Holiday for public dealings. On this day, banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Microfinance Banks (MFBs) will remain closed for customers. However, bank staff will report to work for internal operations.
The purpose of this bank holiday is the annual deduction of Zakat. This is a routine practice carried out under government rules at the beginning of Ramadan. For 2026, the Zakat nisab has been set at Rs503,529. If an individual’s bank balance meets or exceeds this threshold on the specified date, Zakat will be deducted automatically in accordance with applicable laws.
Over the years, many account holders have expressed confusion about the Zakat deduction process. It is important to understand that not all accounts are subject to deduction, and specific rules apply to different types of accounts. Those who have submitted valid exemption affidavits are not affected.
Important points regarding the first Ramadan bank closure:
- Banks will not entertain public dealings on the first day of Ramadan
- Zakat deduction will be processed on eligible accounts
- Nisab amount fixed at Rs503,529
- Applies to savings accounts and other eligible deposits
- Customers should review balances before the deduction date
This annual practice reflects the spiritual spirit of Ramadan, where charity and financial support for the underprivileged are strongly emphasized.
PSX Ramadan Trading Hours 2026
Alongside the banking sector, the Pakistan Stock Exchange has also announced shorter trading hours for Ramadan. The adjustment ensures that brokers, investors, and market participants can observe fasting while continuing trading activities in a comfortable manner.
Ramadan trading sessions are generally shorter than regular days. Investors are advised to check official PSX notifications and circulars to confirm exact session timings. In my experience covering the stock market, Ramadan often brings slightly different trading patterns, with activity sometimes concentrated earlier in the session.
Shorter trading hours mean that investors must make quicker decisions and manage orders more efficiently. For day traders and active investors, time management becomes even more critical during the holy month.
For stock market participants, the key considerations include:
- Reduced daily trading session duration
- Early market closing compared to normal days
- Need for careful planning of buy and sell orders
- Monitoring official PSX updates regularly
- Adjusting strategies according to shorter sessions
These changes are temporary but important for maintaining smooth financial operations during Ramadan.
How These Shorter Working Hours Affect the Public
The announcement of shorter SBP banking hours and PSX trading timings may seem routine, but its impact on daily life is significant. Businesses that rely on daily cash deposits must adjust their operational schedules. Employees who prefer visiting banks after office hours may need to plan differently. Traders and investors must align their activities within limited timeframes.
Ramadan is already a month of spiritual focus, prayer, and family gatherings. Reduced financial working hours require better time management. From my observation, people who plan in advance face fewer difficulties compared to those who wait until the last minute.
To manage financial matters smoothly during Ramadan:
- Visit banks early in the day to avoid rush
- Use internet and mobile banking for bill payments and transfers
- Confirm cheque clearing timelines beforehand
- Keep track of Zakat deduction policies
- Stay updated through official SBP and PSX announcements
Digital banking has made life easier, and many routine transactions can now be handled without physically visiting a branch.
Summary of Ramadan 2026 Banking and Trading Adjustments
The following table provides a quick overview of the revised schedule announced for Ramadan:
| Institution | Days | Timing for Public Dealing | Special Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Bank regulated Banks | Monday – Thursday | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | No break |
| State Bank regulated Banks | Friday | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm | No break |
| All Banks, DFIs, MFBs | First Ramadan | Closed for public | Zakat deduction processing |
| Pakistan Stock Exchange | Ramadan | Shortened trading hours | Check official PSX circular |
This summary helps customers, traders, and business owners quickly understand how their financial activities may be affected during the holy month.
Ramadan and the Lunar Calendar Context
Ramadan does not fall on the same Gregorian date every year because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar months. Each Islamic month lasts 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. As the Islamic year is about 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan shifts annually.
This lunar system explains why financial institutions must issue new Ramadan working hour notifications every year. The spiritual importance of Ramadan, combined with operational adjustments, makes it a unique period for both religious devotion and financial discipline.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset. It is a time of patience, generosity, and increased charity. The annual Zakat deduction system implemented through banks is part of this broader framework of social support and welfare.
Final Analysis
The decision by the State Bank of Pakistan and the Pakistan Stock Exchange to introduce shorter working hours during Ramadan is not just a routine administrative step. It is a practical adjustment that balances financial operations with the religious environment of the holy month.
For Pakistani citizens, the key message is simple: plan your financial matters in advance. Whether you need to withdraw funds, deposit business earnings, clear payments, or trade shares, aligning your schedule with Ramadan banking hours and PSX trading timings will save you time and stress.
Ramadan is a month of reflection and discipline. Managing your banking and investment activities responsibly during this period ensures that you can focus more on worship and family while staying financially organized.