On the directive of the Election Commission of Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan has ordered closure of all offices of the SBP, commercial banks and development finance institutions (DFIs) on Thursday, August 18, and Friday, August 25, in the districts where local government elections are being held.

As per the SBP decision to close all the banks and DFIs on August 18, the three stock exchanges of the country will also remain closed.

Accordingly, the settlement scheduled to take place on Thursday has been merged with the settlement to be held on Friday, August 19. The difference of COT premium rates will be adjusted in due course of time.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005