Zakat Nisab 2026 Announced by Pakistan Govt

The Government of Pakistan has officially announced the Zakat Nisab 2026 at Rs. 503,529. This means Zakat will only be deducted from bank accounts if the balance meets or exceeds this amount on the first day of Ramazan 2026.

This update is important for millions of account holders across Pakistan.

Official Notification Details

The announcement was issued by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety under the government’s Zakat policy.

According to the notification:

• Zakat will be deducted from savings bank accounts
• Profit and loss sharing (PLS) accounts
• Other similar deposit accounts

The deduction will follow Islamic principles and existing Zakat collection laws.

When Will Zakat Be Deducted?

Zakat will be deducted on the first day of Ramazan, expected on February 19, 2026, subject to moon sighting.

Important points:

• Only accounts with Rs. 503,529 or more on that day will face automatic deduction
• If the balance is below the minimum threshold, no Zakat will be deducted
• Changes in balance after that date will not affect the decision

180% Increase Compared to Last Year

Last year, the nisab was Rs. 179,689.

This year’s figure shows a 180% increase, which is a significant jump.

Why Did the Nisab Increase?

The main reasons include:

• Sharp rise in gold prices
• Increase in silver rates
• Rising global inflation
• Pressure on Pakistan’s currency
• Islamic valuation standards linked to precious metals

Since nisab calculation depends on the value of precious metals, the increase in gold and silver prices directly raised the threshold.

Impact on Pakistan’s Banking System

Pakistan’s banking system currently holds more than 177 million accounts, including:

• Commercial banks
• Microfinance institutions
• Fintech platforms

Because of the higher nisab, many small savers and salaried individuals will now fall below the threshold. This means fewer accounts will qualify for automatic Zakat deduction in 2026.

Instructions Issued to Banks

All financial institutions have been directed to ensure strict compliance.

They must:

• Deduct Zakat only from eligible accounts
• Maintain accurate transaction records
• Immediately transfer funds to the Central Zakat Account
• Deposit the collected amount with the State Bank of Pakistan
• Submit official returns for transparency and proper documentation

These steps aim to improve accountability and strengthen public trust in the Zakat system.

What This Means for the Public

For many Pakistanis, this announcement brings relief. If your balance is below Rs. 503,529, no Zakat will be automatically deducted.

However, Zakat remains a religious obligation. Individuals can still choose to pay it voluntarily according to Islamic financial rules.

This update allows people to plan their finances better before Ramazan.

Conclusion

The Govt Announces Zakat Nisab 2026 in Pakistan at Rs. 503,529, reflecting rising gold prices, silver rates, and economic pressures. With a 180% increase from last year, the new threshold is expected to reduce automatic deductions while ensuring transparency through the State Bank of Pakistan and the Central Zakat Account.

Account holders are advised to check their balances before the first day of Ramazan to avoid confusion.