For employees, students, and families across Pakistan, knowing the official holiday schedule early helps in planning work, travel, and personal commitments. To remove uncertainty, the government has now announced the public and optional holidays for 2026, covering national events, religious occasions, and minority observances.
This clarification provides a clear picture of which days will be public holidays, which are optional, and what citizens should keep in mind while planning the year ahead.
What the Government Announced for Holidays in 2026
The holiday schedule for 2026 has been issued through an official notification by the federal government. It applies to:
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Government offices
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Educational institutions
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Banks and public-sector organizations
The list includes national holidays and religious holidays, with Islamic dates subject to moon sighting, as per standard practice in Pakistan.
Major Public Holidays in Pakistan – 2026
The following days will be observed as public holidays nationwide, unless otherwise specified.
National and Religious Public Holidays
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Kashmir Day – February 5 (Thursday)
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Pakistan Day – March 23 (Monday)
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Eid-ul-Fitr – March 21, 22, 23 (Saturday to Monday)*
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Labour Day – May 1 (Friday)
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Youm-e-Takbeer – May 28 (Thursday)
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Eid-ul-Azha – May 27, 28, 29 (Wednesday to Friday)*
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Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram) – June 24 & 25 (Wednesday & Thursday)*
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Independence Day – August 14 (Friday)
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Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12th Rabi-ul-Awwal) – August 25 (Tuesday)*
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Allama Iqbal Day – November 9 (Monday)
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Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas – December 25 (Friday)
*Islamic holidays are subject to moon sighting and may change by one day.
Holiday for Christian Community
In addition to the general public holidays, a special holiday has been announced for the Christian community.
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Day After Christmas – December 26 (Saturday)
(For Christians only)
This allows minority communities to observe religious occasions according to their faith.
Optional Holidays for 2026
Apart from public holidays, the government has also declared optional holidays. These are mainly meant for:
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Minority religious communities
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Individuals observing specific religious or cultural days
Optional holidays are not mandatory nationwide and are usually availed by employees with prior approval from their departments.
Who Is Affected by This Holiday Notification
This announcement is important for:
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Government employees planning leave
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Students and parents scheduling exams or travel
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Private-sector organizations aligning calendars
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Banks and financial institutions
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Minority communities observing religious events
Early awareness helps avoid confusion and last-minute changes.
What Has Not Changed in the Holiday Policy
Despite the announcement, some things remain the same:
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Islamic holidays still depend on moon sighting
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Provinces may issue separate notifications for local holidays
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Private companies may adjust holidays based on internal policy
Citizens should always check departmental or provincial notifications for final confirmation.
What Citizens Should Do Now
To make the best use of the 2026 holiday schedule:
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Mark confirmed holidays on your calendar
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Avoid finalizing travel around moon-dependent dates too early
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Watch for provincial or departmental updates
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Employers should share internal holiday circulars in advance
Planning ahead reduces stress and helps manage work-life balance.
Why This Announcement Matters
An early and clear holiday list:
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Helps businesses plan productivity
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Allows families to plan travel and events
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Reduces uncertainty around religious observances
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Supports better coordination in schools and offices
For many Pakistanis, holidays are not just breaks — they are tied to religion, culture, and national identity.
Conclusion
The Government of Pakistan’s announcement of public and optional holidays for 2026 provides much-needed clarity for the year ahead. With a mix of national, religious, and minority holidays, the schedule reflects Pakistan’s diverse social and cultural fabric.
While some dates may change due to moon sighting, this official list serves as a reliable guide for planning. Staying informed and flexible will help citizens make the most of their time in 2026.
