PTBP Web Desk
The government has officially fixed the Nisab for Zakat 2026 at Rs503,529 for the Zakat year 1446-47 A.H. The new threshold will apply to savings bank accounts, profit and loss sharing accounts, and other similar accounts across the country.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Security on February 16, 2026, the revised Nisab amount has been communicated to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and all Zakat Collection and Controlling Agencies (ZCCAs).
Zakat Deduction Date Likely on 19 or 20 February 2026
The first day of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak 1447 A.H. has been notified as the official “deduction date” for Zakat. Based on the lunar calendar, the date is expected to fall on February 19 or 20, 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon.
On this date, Zakat will be deducted at source from eligible bank accounts that hold a balance equal to or exceeding Rs503,529.
However, under the provisions of the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance, 1980, no deduction will be made if the credit balance in an account is below the specified Nisab threshold on the first day of Ramazan.
For more information about banking regulations and official notifications, readers can visit the State Bank of Pakistan (external link). You can also explore our internal coverage on Ramazan-related policies and government financial announcements (internal link).
Legal Framework and Implementation
The notification clarifies that Zakat deduction will apply only to assets mentioned in Column 2 of Serial No. 1 of the First Schedule of the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance, 1980.
All Zakat Collection and Controlling Agencies have been instructed to ensure compliance. The deducted amount must be deposited immediately into Central Zakat Account No. CZ-08, which is maintained with the State Bank of Pakistan.
Additionally, agencies are required to submit a copy of the return in Form CZ-08 (A & B) to the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Security after depositing the collected Zakat amount.
This structured process ensures transparency and centralized management of Zakat funds, which are later utilized for poverty alleviation and social welfare programs.
Significant Increase Compared to Previous Years
The newly announced Nisab for Zakat 2026 marks a substantial increase compared to previous years.
In 2025, the Nisab for the Zakat year 1445-46 A.H. was set at Rs179,689. Similarly, in the year before that, the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division had fixed the Nisab at Rs135,179.
The sharp rise in the Nisab threshold reflects changes in economic indicators and asset valuation criteria used for calculating Zakat eligibility.
Impact on Account Holders
With the Nisab now set at Rs503,529, only individuals whose savings meet or exceed this amount on the deduction date will have Zakat deducted automatically.
Account holders who fall below the threshold will remain exempt under the law. Therefore, individuals are advised to review their account balances ahead of the expected deduction date.
Those who have filed exemption declarations under applicable rules should ensure their documentation is up to date with their respective banks.
