The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially declared Wednesday, December 25, 2024, as a bank holiday in observance of Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas. This announcement aligns with the Government of Pakistan’s declaration of public holidays.
The SBP informed all banks, development financial institutions (DFIs), and microfinance banks (MFBs) in a formal letter that all financial institutions in the whole country will be closed on December 25, 2024. The holiday will mark two important dates: Quaid-e-Azam Day, which celebrates the birth of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Christmas, observed by Christians worldwide.
As a result of the SBP’s statement, all banking activities for the day will stop, including all financial transactions and operations. Banks, DFIs, and MFBs will resume regular operations on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
The holiday, which falls in the middle of the week, gives workers in both the public and private sectors a much-needed break. Furthermore, it provides a chance to think about important events in Pakistan’s history and lets the country’s Christians enjoy their religious traditions in peace and harmony. By celebrating both Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day together, Pakistan is showing that it values its unique traditions and wants to bring its people closer together.
