Banks ordered to open branches on Friday ahead of Eid-ul-Azha

Karachi: The State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday ordered commercial banks to open their selected branches on Friday.

Friday was announced a public holiday on account of Eid-ul-Azha.

A statement issued by the State Bank said,”In order to ensure the availability of banking services to trade and industry, in particular and public in general, during the extended holidays on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, it has been decided that banks MFBs shall arrange to open selected branches, only on Friday, July 8, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. situated in close proximity of cattle markets, big cities, business centers, commercial markets and hubs,ports etc. throughout the country.”

The statement noted that RTGS System and Clearing through NIFT will not be available on the afore-mentioned date. Accordingly, all clearing transactions including foreign exchange conversion transactions will be settled on the next working day i.e. Wednesday, July13, 2022.”

Banks / MFBs should ensure the deployment of minimal number of staff necessary to carry out smooth working at such branches on the above date.