WEBDESK (Azaad English): State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) declared ‘bank holiday’ on 1st Ramadan 2025 for all the commercial banks during the first day of Ramadan 1446 AH. As per tradition this holiday enables banks to carry out annual Zakat deductions.
The State Bank of Pakistan indicates that Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) along with Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and banking institutions will perform no public services on 1st Ramadan 2025.
The workforce will come to work despite the holiday as they need to carry out their normal responsibilities. A notification about the public bank closure will be released by the central bank shortly.
Financial institutions in Pakistan follow this Zakat collection practice every year at the start of Ramadan. Last year, a bank holiday was observed on 1st Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, 1445 A.H., as the State Bank of Pakistan remained closed for public dealings to facilitate Zakat deduction.
Moon Sighting for 1st Ramadan 2025:
Muslims in Pakistan anticipate the beginning of Ramadan on March 2, 2025 per the predictions of moon sighting. Official observation is necessary to confirm the new moon sighting for 1st Ramadan 2025 that most likely occurred on February 28 because it appeared at a low position in the sky.
The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will determine the date of Eid ul-Fitr celebration through moon sighting observations on March 30 which indicates March 31 as the likely date for Eid ul-Fitr.
