Pakistan’s financial regulatory authorities have announced updated working and trading hours for the sacred month of Ramadan, streamlining operations within the banking and capital markets to align with traditional seasonal modifications.
The State Bank of Pakistan indicated that banks, development finance institutions, and microfinance banks will implement reduced office hours, accompanied by limited public interaction periods.
Regular hours will automatically resume following Ramadan.
In a separate announcement, the Pakistan Stock Exchange has released a condensed trading schedule for equities, debt markets, and negotiated transactions, featuring earlier market closures, especially on Fridays.
Regular Equity Market (PSX)
| Market Phase | Monday–Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Open | 09:00 – 09:15 | 09:00 – 09:15 |
| Order Matching | 09:15 – 09:17 | 09:15 – 09:17 |
| Market Open | 09:17 | 09:17 |
| Market Close | 13:30 | 12:30 |
| Post-Close Session | 13:35 – 13:50 | 12:35 – 12:50 |
| Trade Modification | 13:50 – 14:20 | 12:50 – 13:20 |
| Odd Lots Market | 09:15 – 13:30 | 09:15 – 12:30 |
The exchange noted that this revised schedule will be effective solely during Ramadan and will revert to standard hours thereafter, in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and other market infrastructure entities.
Banks to remain closed on first day of Ramadan
Bank customers are urged to plan their visits according to these timings to avoid long queues and ensure hassle-free service during the holy month.
The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed for public dealings on the first day of Ramadan, 1447 A.H., which shall be observed as “Bank Holiday” for deduction of Zakat.
All public and private banks, development finance institutions and microfinance banks shall, therefore, remain closed for public dealing on the aforementioned date.
However, all employees of the banks / DFIs / MFBs will attend the office on Bank Holiday, treating it as a normal working day (except for public dealing).
