ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that banks will observe a holiday on Monday, March 23, on the occasion of ‘Pakistan Day’.
Nation would celebrate Pakistan Day on March 23 to commemorate adoption of the Lahore Resolution.
“The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on March 23, 2026 (Monday) being public holiday on the occasion of ‘Pakistan Day‘ as declared by the Government of Pakistan,” the central bank said in a notification.
Whole of Pakistan celebrates Pakistan Day every year on March 23 to commemorate the adoption of the Lahore Resolution on the same day in 1947, which called for the creation of an independent sovereign state for the Muslims of the sub-continent.
It was Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore, where the historic event took place, marking a significant development in the achievement of a separate country.
March 23 a bank holiday
With the announcement of March 23 as a bank holiday, bank employees will enjoy a four-day holiday this Eid ul Fitr.
The government has declared Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, as Eid ul Fitr holidays, while March 22 falls on Sunday, followed by the March 23 holiday.
Experts have predicted that this Eid-ul-Fitr is likely to fall on March 21, with Pakistanis expected to observe a 30-day Ramazan.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan will, however, make the final decision regarding the sighting of the crescent and the day of Eid-ul-Fitr across the country.
