SBP announces three-day Eidul Azha closure

ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Friday that it will remain closed from May 26 to May 28 on account of Eidul Azha holidays, with all commercial banks also suspending operations during the period.

The SBP said banking services will remain unavailable nationwide during the three-day closure.

Earlier, the federal government announced three public holidays from May 26 to May 28 for Eidul Azha, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

The notification said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the holiday period, adding that all government offices across the country will remain closed on May 26, 27 and 28, which fall on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Earlier reports had suggested that Eidul Azha was likely to fall on June 7, depending on the sighting of the Zul Hijjah moon.

Astronomical forecasts indicated slim chances of the moon being sighted on May 27, due to its young age at sunset, while visibility was expected to improve by May 28.

If confirmed, the first day of Zul Hijjah would fall on May 29, placing Eidul Azha on June 7, subject to the final announcement by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee based on moon sighting.

Eidul Azha, one of Islam’s two major festivals, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.

A key ritual of the festival is Qurbani, the sacrifice of animals such as goats, cows, sheep and camels, with the meat distributed among family members, relatives and the underprivileged, symbolising charity and social solidarity.