Public Holidays in 2026 Announced
Public Holidays in 2026 Announced federal government of Pakistan has officially announced the complete list of public and optional holidays for the calendar year 2026. This announcement, issued through a formal notification by the Cabinet Division, is important for millions of Pakistanis who plan their work routines, business operations, educational schedules, and family activities around official holidays. As someone who regularly tracks government decisions and public notifications, I can say that having a clear holiday calendar well in advance reduces confusion and helps people plan their year with confidence.
The 2026 holiday schedule covers national days, major Islamic religious events, and festivals of minority communities living across Pakistan. It also explains optional holidays and special bank closure days, which are often misunderstood by the general public. Below is a detailed, easy-to-read, and SEO-optimized explanation of everything included in the government’s announcement.
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Official Holiday Notification and Government Authority
The holiday schedule for 2026 has been issued by the Cabinet Division with the approval of the competent authority. This confirms that the decision is official, lawful, and applicable to all federal government institutions across Pakistan. Once issued by the Cabinet Division, such notifications become the primary reference for public offices, attached departments, and autonomous bodies.
In most cases, provincial governments, educational institutions, and private organizations also follow this schedule, either fully or with slight adjustments. For ordinary citizens, this notification serves as the most reliable source for understanding when offices will remain closed and when normal working days will apply.
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National Public Holidays Across Pakistan
National public holidays are observed uniformly throughout the country. On these days, government offices, schools, colleges, and most private institutions remain closed to mark important events in Pakistan’s history and national identity.
These holidays reflect collective values such as independence, labor rights, and the contributions of national leaders. They are observed by all citizens, regardless of religious background, and often involve official ceremonies, media programs, and public messages from the government.
Key national public holidays announced for 2026 include:
- Kashmir Day observed on February 5 to show solidarity with the people of Kashmir
- Pakistan Day on March 23, marking the Lahore Resolution
- Labour Day on May 1, recognizing the role of workers
- Independence Day on August 14, celebrating freedom from British rule
- Allama Iqbal Day on November 9, honoring the national poet
- Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas on December 25
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Eid-ul-Fitr Holidays in 2026
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most widely celebrated religious festivals in Pakistan, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. According to the notification, Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in 2026 will be observed from March 21 to March 23, from Saturday to Monday, subject to moon sighting.
These holidays allow families to come together after a month of fasting, prayers, and charity. Markets, transport services, and shopping centers usually see increased activity before Eid, while government offices and educational institutions remain closed during the official holidays.
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Eid-ul-Azha Holiday Schedule
Eid-ul-Azha holidays will fall from May 27 to May 29, Wednesday to Friday, corresponding to the 10th of Zil Haj. This festival commemorates the spirit of sacrifice and obedience and is observed across both urban and rural areas of Pakistan.
During these days, government offices remain closed, while animal markets, meat distribution, and charity-related activities are seen across the country. The three-day holiday period gives citizens enough time to perform religious obligations and spend time with family.
Ashura Holidays and Muharram Observance
Ashura will be observed on June 24 and 25, corresponding to the 9th and 10th of Muharram. These days hold deep religious and historical significance, especially for the remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA).
Public holidays on Ashura help ensure peaceful observance, with security arrangements and traffic plans implemented in major cities. Most offices and educational institutions remain closed during this period.
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Youm-e-Takbeer and Its National Importance
Youm-e-Takbeer will be marked on May 28. This day commemorates Pakistan’s nuclear tests and symbolizes national defense, sovereignty, and technological achievement.
Although it is a single-day holiday, it holds strong patriotic value and is observed with official messages and media discussions highlighting Pakistan’s strategic history.
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Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2026 Observance
Eid Milad-un-Nabi, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is scheduled for August 25, subject to moon sighting. On this day, religious gatherings, Milad events, and special prayers are organized throughout the country.
Government offices and educational institutions usually remain closed to allow citizens to participate in religious activities and processions.
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Special Holiday for the Christian Community
In addition to Christmas on December 25, the government has announced December 26 as a holiday exclusively for Christian employees. This additional day allows the Christian community to continue their religious celebrations without workplace pressure.
This step reflects the government’s effort to recognize and respect the religious needs of minority communities in Pakistan.
Optional Holidays for Minority Communities
The notification also lists several optional holidays for minority religions. These holidays are denominational and are granted at the discretion of the head of the organization, provided official work is not disrupted.
Optional holidays available for minority communities include:
- Holi and Diwali
- Easter and Christmas-related events
- Baisakhi for the Sikh community
- Durga Puja and Dussehra
- Birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Lord Zoroaster
Non-Muslim employees are allowed to avail up to three optional holidays in a calendar year.
Optional Religious Holidays for Muslim Employees
Muslim employees are also allowed optional holidays for certain religious occasions. These holidays are subject to moon sighting and departmental approval.
Optional Muslim holidays include:
- Shab-e-Meraj
- Shab-e-Barat
- Chehlum
- Giyarvee Shareef
Muslim employees may avail one optional holiday per year.
Rules Governing Optional Holidays
The Cabinet Division has clearly stated that optional holidays are not automatic. Approval depends on the head of the organization, and official work should not be affected. This policy ensures a balance between religious observance and institutional responsibility.
Bank and Financial Institution Closures for Public Dealing
In addition to public holidays, the notification clarifies specific days when banks, DFIs, and microfinance banks will remain closed for public dealing, while employees will continue working internally.
| Date | Reason | Public Dealing |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year | Closed |
| February 18 | Zakat deduction (subject to moon sighting) | Closed |
| July 1 | Start of financial year | Closed |
These closures are particularly important for customers to note, as many people assume banks are fully closed on these days.
What the 2026 Holiday Calendar Means for Pakistanis
For office workers, students, business owners, and daily wage earners, the 2026 public holiday calendar provides much-needed clarity. It helps families plan travel, businesses manage operations, and institutions organize academic and administrative schedules.
From a journalist’s perspective, this announcement reflects a balanced approach by the government—recognizing national identity, respecting religious diversity, and maintaining administrative discipline. For ordinary Pakistanis, having this information early simply makes life easier and more predictable.