The State Bank of Pakistan has announced a nationwide bank holiday on January 1, 2026, marking the first day of the new year.
In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the central bank confirmed that all commercial banks across Pakistan will remain closed for public dealings on that day. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Microfinance Banks (MFBs) will also suspend customer-facing operations.
However, the SBP clarified that the holiday applies only to public transactions. Employees of banks, DFIs, and MFBs will report to work as usual to complete internal operations.
According to the central bank, the annual bank holiday allows financial institutions to finalise year-end accounts, complete reconciliation, and ensure a smooth transition to the new financial year.
Normal banking services for customers will resume on the next working day following the holiday.
