State Bank of Pakistan Announces Bank Holiday on March 23 for Pakistan Day

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has declared a public holiday for all banks and financial institutions across the country on Monday, March 23, 2026, in observance of Pakistan Day.
In its BPRD Circular Letter No. 07 of 2026, the SBP stated that the closure follows the Government of Pakistan’s declaration of March 23 as a public holiday to commemorate Pakistan Day, marking the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940. All commercial banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Microfinance Banks (MFBs) will remain closed, along with SBP offices.
This announcement extends the ongoing Eid ul-Fitr holiday period. The federal government, via Cabinet Division notification, has already declared March 20 (Friday) and March 21 (Saturday) as public holidays for Eid ul-Fitr. With the regular weekly holiday on Sunday, March 22, and the Pakistan Day holiday on March 23, banks and many public offices will observe a four-day closure from March 20 to 23.
Provincial Updates:
The Sindh government has issued a notification confirming public holidays on March 20 and 21 for Eid ul-Fitr, closing government offices and institutions province-wide.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced Eid holidays from March 19 (Thursday) to March 21 (Saturday), as per the Administration Department’s official statement.
Pakistan Day celebrations highlight national unity and the historical significance of the 1940 Lahore Resolution, which laid the groundwork for the creation of Pakistan.
Citizens are advised to complete essential banking transactions ahead of the extended holiday weekend. The SBP has not announced any changes to digital or ATM services during this period.