Govt announces schedule for public holidays in 2026

The federal government on Monday announced public and optional holidays for the calendar year 2026, covering national days and religious festivals of Muslims and minority communities across Pakistan.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, public holidays in 2026 will include Kashmir Day on February 5, Pakistan Day on March 23, Labour Day on May 1, Independence Day on August 14, Allama Iqbal Day on November 9, and Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas on December 25.

Eid-ul-Fitr (1st Shawal 1447 AH) will be observed from March 21 to 23 (Saturday to Monday), subject to moon sighting.

Eid-ul-Azha (10th Zil Haj 1447 AH) holidays will fall from May 27 to 29 (Wednesday to Friday), while Ashura (9th and 10th Muharram 1448 AH) will be observed on June 24 and 25 (Wednesday and Thursday).

READ MORE: Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2025: govt announces public holiday on Sept 6

Youm-e-Takbeer will be marked on May 28, while Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12th Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH) is scheduled for August 25, subject to moon sighting. December 26 will be observed as a holiday for Christians only, being the day after Christmas.

The notification also lists optional holidays for minority communities, including Holi, Diwali, Easter, Christmas-related events, Baisakhi, Durga Puja, Dussehra, and birthdays of religious figures such as Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Lord Zoroaster.

Optional Muslim holidays include Shab-e-Meraj, Shab-e-Barat, Chehlum, and Giyarvee Shareef, all subject to moon sighting.

READ MORE: Feb 5 declared public holiday

The Cabinet Division clarified that optional holidays are denominational and may be allowed at the discretion of the head of the organization, provided official work does not suffer.

Muslim employees may avail one optional holiday, while non-Muslim employees may avail up to three optional holidays in a calendar year.

Separately, the notification stated that banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), and microfinance banks (MFBs) will remain closed for public dealings, but not for employees, on January 1, February 18 (for Zakat deduction, subject to moon sighting), and July 1, 2026.

The notification was issued with the approval of the competent authority and circulated to all federal ministries, divisions, and relevant government departments.