Banks in Pakistan will remain closed on Thursday, February 8 on account of it being election day, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) notified in a statement on Tuesday.

“The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on February 8, 2024 (Thursday) being public holiday in the country as notified by the Election Commission of Pakistan to enable the voters to exercise their right of franchise freely and conveniently in General Election, 2024,” the central bank’s statement read.

Last week, the electoral watchdog announced a public holiday on February 8 when general elections are scheduled to be held.

“In exercise of powers conferred under Article 218 of the Constitution […] Election Commission of Pakistan is pleased to declare [a] public holiday on February 8 in the country,” the ECP said in a statement then.

Meanwhile, all educational institutes are also closed during the election week.