Pakistan fixes zakat nisab at Rs503,529 for Ramadan 2026

The Government of Pakistan has set the nisab (minimum threshold) for zakat deduction for the Islamic year 1446–1447 A.H. at Rs503,529, marking a significant rise from last year’s level, according to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety.

Under the government’s notification dated February 16, 2026, banks will deduct zakat at source from savings bank accounts, profit‑and‑loss sharing accounts and similar deposit accounts that have balances equal to or exceeding Rs503,529 on the deduction date.

The first day of Ramadan 1447 A.H. has been designated as the deduction date, which is expected to fall on February 19 or February 20, 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon. Accounts with balances below the prescribed nisab amount on that date will be exempt from automatic deduction.

Banks and financial institutions have been instructed to implement the directive immediately and to ensure deducted amounts are deposited directly into the Central Zakat Account maintained with the State Bank of Pakistan (Account No. CZ‑08). The notification also requires submitting the relevant return forms to the ministry after depositing the collected funds.

The marked increase in the nisab threshold from Rs179,689 in 2025 to Rs503,529 in 2026 reflects substantial changes in underlying valuation metrics such as the prices of gold and silver that influence the threshold calculation.

The announcement provides advance clarity to account holders, urging them to check their balances before the start of Ramadan and to contact their financial institutions if they anticipate qualifying for exemptions under the rules, which aim to streamline collection and ensure funds are available for eligible beneficiaries during the holy month.