Are Banks Closed During Ramadan in Pakistan? Full Details 2026
Every year during Ramadan, people in Pakistan wonder whether banks remain open or close for the whole month. Many customers need banking services for salary withdrawals, business payments, remittances, and Eid shopping preparations, so knowing the exact schedule becomes very important.
Ramadan 2026 will also bring adjusted office hours across government departments and private institutions, including banks. However, banks do not close completely for the entire month. Instead, working hours are reduced to make things easier for both employees and customers who are fasting.
In this guide, you will find complete details about bank operations during Ramadan 2026, including working hours, public dealing timings, holidays, and tips to manage banking activities smoothly.
Do Banks Close During Ramadan in Pakistan?
The simple answer is no. Banks do not remain closed during Ramadan. They continue operations throughout the month, but with shorter working hours.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issues special Ramadan schedules every year for all banks operating in the country. All commercial banks, Islamic banks, and microfinance institutions follow this schedule.
This means customers can still visit banks, withdraw money, deposit cash, or perform other services, but they must do so within the reduced public dealing hours.
Why Bank Timings Change During Ramadan
Ramadan changes daily routines because people fast from dawn till sunset. Working a full regular schedule can be challenging, especially in the afternoon.
To support fasting employees and customers, working hours are shortened across many sectors. The banking sector follows the same approach.
Reduced hours help in:
- Making work manageable for fasting employees
- Allowing customers to complete tasks earlier in the day
- Avoiding long working hours during fasting
- Supporting smoother operations during Ramadan
This practice has been followed in Pakistan for many years.
Expected Bank Working Hours During Ramadan 2026
While official timings are announced close to Ramadan, schedules generally follow a consistent pattern every year.
For Ramadan 2026, banks across Pakistan are expected to follow this schedule:
Office Working Hours (Staff Timings)
These are hours during which bank offices remain operational for internal work.
Monday to Thursday:
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
These timings apply to employees and internal banking operations.
Public Dealing Hours (Customer Timings)
Public dealing hours are the times when customers can visit branches for services.
Monday to Thursday:
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Customers should try to visit early because services usually stop right at closing time.
Are Banks Closed on the First Day of Ramadan?
Sometimes, the government declares the first day of Ramadan as a bank holiday, meaning banks remain closed for public dealing while internal operations may continue.
However, this is not always guaranteed. Whether such a holiday is announced depends on official notifications issued close to Ramadan.
Customers should check bank announcements before planning important visits during the first days of Ramadan.
Bank Holidays After Ramadan: Eid-ul-Fitr Closures
At the end of Ramadan, banks close for Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
Usually, banks remain closed for two to four days depending on government announcements. During this period:
- Branch banking services remain closed
- Cheque clearing pauses
- Government and private banks remain shut
However, ATMs and online banking services continue working.
Customers should plan transactions ahead of Eid holidays to avoid inconvenience.
Which Banks Follow Ramadan Timings?
All banks in Pakistan follow SBP instructions during Ramadan. This includes:
- Public sector banks
- Private commercial banks
- Islamic banks
- Foreign banks operating in Pakistan
- Microfinance banks
Whether you visit a large branch in major cities or a smaller branch in rural areas, Ramadan timings usually remain the same nationwide.
Banking Services Available During Ramadan
Even with shorter working hours, banks continue offering most services.
Branch Services Available
Customers can still access:
- Cash deposits and withdrawals
- Account opening services
- Cheque deposits and clearing
- Account statements
- Fund transfers
- Loan and financing consultations
- ATM card services
- Checkbook issuance
However, due to reduced working hours, queues may increase near closing time.
ATM and Digital Banking Services
One major advantage today is digital banking. These services remain available 24 hours during Ramadan:
- ATM withdrawals
- Mobile banking apps
- Internet banking
- Online bill payments
- Funds transfers
- Mobile wallets
- SMS alerts
Digital services help customers avoid branch visits completely.
Banking Rush Before Eid
Usually, the last 10 days of Ramadan see heavy crowds in banks. Reasons include:
- Salary withdrawals
- Eid shopping payments
- Zakat and charity payments
- Business transactions
- Remittance transfers
Customers often wait until the last days, creating long queues and delays.
Planning ahead helps avoid stress.
Tips for Customers During Ramadan Banking Hours
Here are practical tips to make banking easier during Ramadan:
Visit Early in the Morning
Morning hours are less crowded, and services run smoothly.
Avoid Last-Minute Transactions
Finish major banking tasks early in the month.
Use Online Banking
Mobile and internet banking save time and effort.
Check Branch Notices
Some branches may slightly adjust timings.
Plan Around Eid Holidays
Complete transactions before banks close for Eid.
Impact on Business Owners and Employees
Reduced banking hours affect business owners who rely on bank services daily. Companies usually adjust their payment schedules accordingly.
Employees also receive salaries earlier in some organizations to help them prepare for Eid expenses.
Businesses often switch to online payments to avoid branch visits.
Will Banking Hours Return to Normal After Ramadan?
Yes. Once Ramadan ends, banks return to regular working hours immediately after Eid holidays.
Public dealing and office timings go back to standard schedules followed throughout the year.
Customers can then access full-day services again.
Common Customer Questions About Ramadan Bank Timings
Are ATMs closed during Ramadan?
No. ATMs work 24/7 throughout Ramadan.
Can I open a new account during Ramadan?
Yes, but you must visit during public dealing hours.
Do online transfers work normally?
Yes, digital banking services work normally.
Are all branches following the same timing?
Most branches follow SBP instructions, but minor local differences can exist.
Ramadan Banking Trends in Pakistan
Over recent years, digital banking usage increases significantly during Ramadan. Many customers now:
- Pay bills online
- Send money through mobile apps
- Use digital wallets
- Avoid branch visits
Banks are also encouraging customers to switch to online channels.
This trend is expected to grow further in 2026.
Final Summary: Are Banks Closed During Ramadan 2026?
Banks in Pakistan do not fully close during Ramadan 2026. Instead, they operate with reduced working hours.
Key points to remember:
- Banks stay open during Ramadan
- Public dealing hours are shorter
- First Ramadan day may sometimes be a bank holiday
- Eid holidays bring full closure
- Online and ATM services run normally
- Plan transactions early to avoid rush
Understanding the schedule helps customers avoid inconvenience and manage financial activities smoothly during the holy month.
Conclusion – Are Banks Closed During Ramadan in Pakistan? Full Details 2026
Ramadan is a special time across Pakistan, and daily routines change everywhere, including in the banking sector. However, customers can still access essential banking services if they plan according to adjusted schedules.
Using digital banking, visiting branches early, and planning around Eid holidays can make financial management easy during Ramadan 2026.
As official announcements approach Ramadan, customers should also watch for updated notifications from their banks.
