Banking operations to pause nationwide
The State Bank of Pakistan has announced that all banking services will remain closed on Friday, May 1, 2026, in observance of Labour Day. The decision follows a public holiday declaration by the Government of Pakistan.
According to an official notification, the central bank has instructed all commercial banks, Development Finance Institutions, and Microfinance Banks to suspend operations for the day. Consequently, customers will not be able to access regular over-the-counter banking services during the holiday.
Moreover, digital banking channels may continue to operate, depending on individual institutions, but physical branches will remain closed across the country. Authorities advised customers to plan their transactions accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
Stock market trading to halt for the day
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Stock Exchange has also confirmed that trading activities will remain suspended on May 1. The closure aligns with the nationwide observance of Labour Day, which honors workers and their contributions.
In addition, officials stated that no equity, commodity, or derivatives trading will take place during the holiday. Market participants, including investors and brokers, will resume activities on the next working day.
Furthermore, both institutions emphasized that normal banking and trading operations will restart immediately after the holiday without any schedule changes. The coordinated closure reflects standard practice during national public holidays.
Overall, the announcement ensures uniform observance of Labour Day across financial institutions, allowing employees to mark the occasion while maintaining operational continuity afterward.
