LAHORE: Banks and financial institutions across Pakistan will remain closed on August 14, 15 and 16, The Lahore Times reported on Wednesday afternoon, in line with a circular issued by the State Bank of Pakistan.

Friday, August 14 will be observed as a public holiday nationwide for Pakistan’s Independence Day, with Saturday and Sunday following as the regular weekend — producing three consecutive days on which banks and financial institutions stay shut. The State Bank itself and the stock exchange will also be closed.

Digital channels are unaffected. The State Bank said ATMs and the online services of banks and financial institutions will remain operational throughout the three-day period, so customers can carry out routine transactions while branch-based services are unavailable. Normal banking operations are expected to resume on Monday, August 17.

Customers who need over-the-counter services — anything requiring in-person handling at a branch — should complete them before Friday.

Practically, that means cash withdrawals, salary transfers, cheque deposits and utility payments requiring counter service should be wrapped up before close of business on Thursday, August 13. Lahore branches typically see heavy footfall on the last working day before a long Independence Day weekend, and ATM traffic runs high across the holiday given peak festival spending.