Your Bank Branch Is Closing in Pakistan: SBP Says You Get 2 Months' Notice
SBP says a bank must give at least 2 months' notice before closing a branch, and longer if it has lockers. See what the notice must say and what to do next.
If your bank plans to close the branch you use, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) says the bank must tell you at least 2 months before it shuts, unless that is not practicable. The notice must say how the bank will keep serving you. If the branch holds lockers, the notice period must be longer.
You may find the notice on a branch door, in an SMS or in a newspaper advertisement. Do not ignore it. A closing branch is the moment cheque books, standing instructions and lockers go missing. We read the rule in SBP's Business Conduct and Fair Treatment of Consumers Regulatory Framework on 14 October 2026. It is part of BPRD Circular No. 04 of 2025.
SBP sets a 2 month minimum notice for a branch closure
Section 2.6 of the framework says a bank must give notice before closing a branch. The notice period shall not be less than 2 months. The only stated exception is when it is not practicable to give that notice, for example because of unforeseen circumstances.
The framework does not say what counts as unforeseen, and it does not list a fine. So treat the 2 months as the normal rule and the exception as something the bank must be able to explain. If you get a shorter notice, ask the bank in writing why.
The notice must reach you in more than one way
SBP lists several modes. A bank can send a written notice by mail, send an email or SMS, run advertisements in local newspapers and put a notice in a prominent place on the branch premises. The list says "including but not limited to", so other modes are allowed too.
That means a sign on the door alone is a weak notice. If you hold an account at the branch, check that your registered mobile number and email are correct with the bank. A notice sent to an old number is easy to miss.
| What the notice must carry | What SBP says |
|---|---|
| Minimum period | Not less than 2 months, unless not practicable |
| How you are served afterwards | Details of how the bank will keep providing services |
| Who to ask | Contact information for customer enquiries |
| Branch with safe-keeping or lockers | A longer notice period than 2 months |
| Channels | Mail, email or SMS, local newspapers, notice at the branch |
Lockers earn a longer notice than 2 months
The framework says a bank shall give a longer period of notice if the branch provides safe-keeping or locker services. It does not give a number of months for lockers. So 2 months is the floor, not the promise.
If you rent a locker, ask the branch manager in writing for the exact date you must empty it and where the locker service will continue. Ask for the answer on paper. A verbal reply on the last week of the notice leaves you with no proof.
What to do in the notice period
The rule protects your time. Use it. The steps below are practical advice, not requirements from SBP, except where we say so.
- Read the notice for the closing date and the new servicing branch.
- Ask the bank in writing where your account and cheque book will be serviced from.
- List every direct debit, standing instruction and salary credit tied to the account.
- Clear your locker by the date the bank gives you in writing.
- Keep a copy of every letter, SMS and email about the closure.
- If you decide to leave the bank, ask for the account to be closed. SBP says closing an account at your request must carry no charge.
You may leave the bank for free if you want to
Under the same framework, a bank shall close your account at your request, subject to its terms and conditions, and shall not apply any charge for the closure. It should send you account closing confirmation within 2 working days. Our guide on how to close a bank account in Pakistan lists the steps and the papers.
Closing is optional. A branch closing does not by itself mean your account closes. The framework does not say your account moves to another branch automatically, so ask the bank to confirm in writing which branch will hold your records.
If the bank does not follow the rule, complain in writing
Start with the bank's own complaint unit. SBP says a complaint must receive a tracking number by SMS or email, and an acknowledgement within 48 hours. If the bank does not reply in 45 days, or you are not happy with the reply, SBP's consumer page says you may go to the Banking Mohtasib Pakistan.
The Banking Mohtasib complaint guide shows the form and what to attach. For urgent matters, SBP's consumer page says you can also lodge a complaint with SBP through its help desk. Bank helpline numbers are listed in the bank helpline numbers guide.
Common questions about a bank branch closing in Pakistan
How much notice must a bank give before closing a branch?
At least 2 months, says SBP's framework, unless it is not practicable. A branch with lockers or safe-keeping must give a longer notice.
How will the bank tell me?
The framework lists mail, email or SMS, advertisements in local newspapers and a notice displayed at the branch. Other modes are allowed. Check that your contact details are current.
Do I lose my account if my branch closes?
The framework does not say so. A branch closing is not an account closing. Ask the bank in writing where your account will be serviced and keep the reply.
Can I close my account when my branch closes?
Yes. SBP says banks must close an account at the customer's request without any charge for the closure, subject to the account terms.
What if I got less than 2 months' notice?
Write to the bank's complaint unit and ask for the reason. SBP allows a shorter period only when 2 months is not practicable. If the reply is unsatisfactory, you can go to the Banking Mohtasib.
How we verified this
What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.
Last checked 14 October 2026. The notice rule is section 2.6, point 5, of SBP's Business Conduct and Fair Treatment of Consumers Regulatory Framework, issued under BPRD Circular No. 04 of 2025. The complaint steps come from SBP's consumer protection page and the same framework. We have not checked what any single bank has told its customers about a closing branch. Individual banks may add steps of their own.
About the author
Senior Writer, Public Services and Technology
Shahid joined us in 2024 as an author. He is a senior contributor to Pakistan's leading technology websites. He writes detailed articles, mostly covering his expertise in the latest tech, mobiles, apps, gadgets, and step-by-step guides. His ideology is to help people understand the latest trends and explain complex methods through very easy-to-understand guides.
