The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has declared that all banking institutions, including development finance institutions (DFIs) and microfinance banks (MFBs), will be closed to the public on the first business day of Ramadan 1446 AH. This closure is specifically for the purpose of Zakat deductions. An official notification from the SBP is anticipated within the next few days. While public transactions will be suspended, bank personnel are required to be present and perform their regular duties. Ramadan is projected to begin in Pakistan on March 2, 2025, with the new moon expected to be visible on the evening of March 1. The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has indicated that the new moon will appear on February 28 at 5:45 PM Pakistan Standard Time. The practice of observing a bank holiday on the first day of Ramadan to facilitate Zakat collection is a well-established procedure mandated by Pakistani banking regulations.
