SBP says banks to remain closed on Friday, Saturday

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that all banks in the country will be closed for three days in observance of Ashura.

The closure will take place from the 28th to the 29th of July, 2023 (Friday to Saturday), as these days mark the public holidays for Ashura (9th & 10th Moharram 1445 A.H), according to a notification issued by the central bank.

During these two days, the nation will commemorate Ashura, which falls on July 28 and 29, to honor the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in the battle of Karbala.

Prior to this announcement, the federal government had already declared the 9th and 10th of Muharram (July 28 and 29) as public holidays in recognition of the significance of Ashura.