“As per the decision of the Federal Government communicated vide Notification No.6/2/1996-D-2 dated April 12, 2022, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will observe six days working week,” read a notification issued by the SBP.

According to the notification, the office hours for the Central Bank, all commercial banks, development finance institutions and micro finance banks during the month of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak would be as follows.

Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm with prayer break from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm whereas on Fridays office hours will be from 8.00 am to 1:00 pm without break.

Banks / Microfinance banks are further advised to observe the following minimum business (banking) hours for public dealing:

Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm without prayer break whereas on Fridays office hours will be from 8.00 am to 12:00 pm without break.

During Ramazan, the SBP will observe office hours from 8 am to 3 pm with a prayer break from 1 pm to 1:30 pm from Monday to Thursday and Saturday. Office timings for Friday will be 8 am to 1 pm, with no break.

These timing will also be followed by all banks, development financial institutions and microfinance banks.

The SBP has also advised banks and MFBs to observe minimum business banking hours for public dealing from 8 am to 1 pm without break from Monday to Thursday and Saturday, and the timing for Friday will be 8 am to 12 pm without break.

However, except Friday, institutions may observe extended business (banking) hours for public dealing from 8 am to 2 pm (without break) as per their business requirements.

The new timings will come into force with immediate effect and remain unless modified or withdrawn, the SBP said.