The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially announced that it will remain closed on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in observance of Labour Day, a national public holiday recognized by the Government of Pakistan. This closure extends to all commercial banks, microfinance banks, and development finance institutions across the country.
This declaration is in line with the annual tradition and reflects the central bank’s adherence to national observance schedules. The announcement further emphasized that this closure applies to all SBP offices and departments across Pakistan.
Nationwide Observance and Its Significance
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated worldwide to honor the efforts and achievements of workers. In Pakistan, this day is observed as a public holiday and is marked by the closure of both government and private institutions, including the financial sector.
This day commemorates the contributions of labor movements that fought for workers’ rights, including fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions.
Recognizing the importance of this historical context, the Government of Pakistan has declared May 1, 2025, a public holiday, prompting the SBP and all associated financial institutions to suspend operations for the day.
The one-day suspension includes all banking transactions, public dealings, and back-office operations. Customers are advised to plan their banking activities accordingly and complete any urgent financial matters before May 1, 2025.
While bank branches and financial institutions will be physically closed, digital banking platforms and ATM services will continue to operate as normal. Most banks have upgraded their online banking systems, allowing customers to perform essential transactions such as:
- Fund transfers
- Bill payments
- Mobile top-ups
- Mini-statements and account checks
- Online purchases
We strongly encourage customers to leverage these services for uninterrupted access to their finances during the public holiday.
Guidelines for Businesses and Account Holders
In anticipation of the closure on Labour Day, we advise both individual clients and corporate entities to take the following steps:
- For salaries and vendor payments, ensure that processing deadlines are met ahead of time to avoid delays.
- Schedule any critical financial obligations, like loan payments or installments, in advance if they fall on the public holiday.
- Utilize mobile banking apps and internet banking to track balances and maintain financial activity without disruption.
The observance of Labour Day by the State Bank of Pakistan and all banking entities underscores the importance of recognizing the contribution of workers in the country’s economic framework.
From bank employees to industrial laborers, this day is a moment of reflection and appreciation. By halting routine operations, financial institutions stand in solidarity with the workforce, promoting the principles of dignity, equality, and justice in the workplace.
All banking institutions, including the SBP, are scheduled to resume normal operations on Friday, May 2, 2025. Customers can expect the resumption of all financial services including:
- Cash deposits and withdrawals at counters
- Clearing of cheques and instruments
- Account opening services
- Business and retail banking activities
Clients with pending tasks are encouraged to book appointments or visit early to avoid post-holiday rushes.
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