Banks to follow normal working hours on Saturday: SBP

The commercial bank branches that remain open on Saturday will observe normal banking hours on June 24 (Saturday) until 5:30pm, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced on Monday.

In a statement, the central bank said the decision has been taken on the request of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to facilitate the collection of taxes through Alternate Delivery Channels (ADC’s) over-the-counter (OTC) facility.

The commercial banks were also advised to ensure round-the-clock availability of their online payment facilities including internet banking, mobile apps and others to facilitate the taxpayers in online payment of government duties/taxes.

It is pertinent to mention that the Eid ul Adha holidays were falling on the last days of the current financial year.

As per routine practices, all the banks and financial institutions would likely observe gazetted holidays of Eid ul Adha and the closure of banks on those days would require the taxpayers to submit their taxes and duties before the holidays.

If the Zil Hajj moon is sighted today, the Eid ul Adha will be celebrated on June 29 (Thursday).

The Met Office, earlier said that the birth of the moon was expected on June 18 at 9:37pm, which could be sighted on June 19.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meets on the 29th of every Islamic month and makes the announcement after sighting the moon.