The Government of Pakistan has officially announced the Zakat nisab for 2026, setting the minimum threshold at Rs. 503,529. This means Zakat will only be deducted from bank accounts if the account balance equals or exceeds Rs. 503,529.
If the balance in a savings or similar account is below Rs. 503,529, no Zakat deduction will be made.
Official Notification Issued by Ministry of Poverty Alleviation
According to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Zakat will not be deducted from any bank account that falls below the prescribed nisab amount on the first day of Ramazan.
This directive applies uniformly across all banks and financial institutions operating in Pakistan.
Zakat Deduction Date in 2026
The notification states that Zakat will be deducted on the first day of Ramazan, which is expected to fall on February 19, 2026, subject to moon sighting.
Zakat will be deducted from the following types of accounts:
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Savings bank accounts
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Profit and Loss Sharing (PLS) accounts
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Similar deposit accounts
Current accounts remain exempt from Zakat deduction, as per existing regulations.
Banks Directed to Deposit Zakat into Central Zakat Account
All banks and financial institutions have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the Zakat deduction policy. The collected Zakat amount must be deposited immediately into the Central Zakat Account maintained with the State Bank of Pakistan.
This measure is aimed at ensuring centralized collection and transparent management of Zakat funds.
Mandatory Reporting and Transparency Measures
The government has further directed all relevant institutions to:
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Submit official Zakat deduction returns
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Ensure proper documentation of collected amounts
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Maintain transparency in the Zakat collection process
These steps are intended to strengthen accountability and ensure that Zakat funds are distributed efficiently under the national Zakat system.
What This Means for Bank Account Holders in Pakistan
For individuals holding savings or PLS accounts, this announcement clarifies that:
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Balances below Rs. 503,529 are exempt from Zakat deduction
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Balances at or above Rs. 503,529 will be subject to automatic Zakat deduction
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Zakat will be deducted only once, on the first day of Ramazan
Account holders seeking exemption due to specific circumstances should follow existing Zakat exemption procedures through their respective banks.
Why the Zakat Nisab Announcement Matters
The annual announcement of the Zakat nisab in Pakistan is critical for millions of bank customers, as it determines who is liable for automatic Zakat deduction. The 2026 nisab reflects changes in economic indicators and helps align Zakat collection with Islamic financial principles.
