State Bank of Pakistan has announced a three-day public holiday schedule from May 26 to May 28, 2026, in observance of Eid-ul-Adha across the country. The central bank confirmed that all its offices will remain closed from Tuesday to Thursday as part of the official holiday arrangements issued ahead of the religious occasion.
According to a statement released by the SBP’s External Communications Department, the holiday notification was formally issued on May 22 under reference number ECD/M&PRD/PR/01/2026-38. Moreover, the announcement clarified that regular banking and central bank operations would remain suspended throughout the three-day period due to the Eid-ul-Adha holidays.
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The closure of the central bank is also expected to affect normal financial operations, including interbank settlements, processing activities and official transactions handled through the banking system during the holiday period. However, digital banking services, online transactions and automated teller machine operations are likely to continue functioning to facilitate customers during Eid-related financial activities and shopping demand.
Commercial banks across Pakistan generally follow the public holiday schedule announced by the State Bank, although institutions may separately issue branch operation advisories for customers before Eid-ul-Adha. In addition, financial experts often advise consumers and businesses to complete urgent transactions, salary transfers and payment processing before the holiday period begins to avoid possible delays.
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The Eid-ul-Adha holidays usually increase cash withdrawals, online purchases and banking activity across the country as families prepare for animal purchases, travel plans and festive shopping. Therefore, banks often enhance ATM cash availability and strengthen digital banking support to manage higher consumer demand during the holiday season and ensure uninterrupted financial services.
The latest announcement provides clarity for businesses, financial institutions and consumers planning transactions ahead of Eid-ul-Adha while allowing banking operations to prepare for the temporary closure period. Officials also encouraged customers to use digital banking channels for essential services during the holidays as physical banking operations remain suspended nationwide.