The central bank Friday notified the banks to observe a five-day working week in line with the federal government’s October 13th decision to conserve energy.
The SBP circular, which was issued Friday and would take effect immediately, however, said selected branches of the banks would remain open on Saturdays to facilitate the masses, trade and businesses.
According to BPRD Circular No. 11, the banks, including the State Bank, would observe the following office timings till further orders: from Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5.30 pm (with lunch/prayer break from 1.30 pm to 2.15 pm) On Friday: 9am to 6.00pm (with lunch/prayer break from 1 pm to 2.30 pm).
However, the SBP circular said, to ensure availability of basic banking facilities to business community, it had been decided that selected branches of banks in various business centers/commercial hubs/ports etc. would remain open, while the Head Offices and other administrative offices of banks would remain closed on Saturdays. “In this regard, banks may at their own decide the number of branches that will be opened on Saturdays. Also, the banks collection booths located at Custom Houses/Ports shall remain open 24/7 as per existing practice,” the circular said.
The regulator asked the banks to submit a complete list of branches to be opened on Saturdays to its Banking Policy and Regulations Department by the 18th of this month.
Nonetheless, the circular said, to ensure that opening of selected number of branches would also support the underlying objective of the government to conserve energy, it had been decided that the branches to be opened on Saturdays would perform only those banking activities that will be absolutely necessary to facilitate the people.
The banks have been asked to ensure minimal deployment of staff that is absolutely necessary to carry out the above functions with the clear instructions to ensure minimum possible use of electric appliances. The SBP asked banks to prominently display in the concerned branch that this branch would be opened on Saturdays for carrying out basic banking activities for the information of the customers.
