The Government of Pakistan announced the 2026 public and optional holiday schedule through the Cabinet Division. The calendar covers national days and religious occasions for Muslims and minority communities.
The main nationwide public holidays listed for 2026 include:
| Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| February 5, 2026 | Thursday | Kashmir Day |
| March 21–23, 2026* | Saturday–Monday | Eid-ul-Fitr |
| March 23, 2026 | Monday | Pakistan Day |
| May 1, 2026 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 27–29, 2026* | Wednesday–Friday | Eid-ul-Azha |
| May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Youm-e-Takbeer |
| June 24–25, 2026* | Wednesday–Thursday | Ashura |
| August 14, 2026 | Friday | Independence Day |
| August 26, 2026 | Wednesday | Eid Milad-un-Nabi |
| November 9, 2026 | Monday | Allama Iqbal Day |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas |
| December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Day after Christmas — Christians only |
*Religious dates can be subject to moon sighting and subsequent official notification.
The Cabinet Division’s official holiday listing confirms separate notifications for Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, Ashura and Eid Milad-un-Nabi during 2026.
February 5 — Kashmir Day
Kashmir Day is observed in Pakistan on February 5. In 2026, it fell on Thursday.
The day is included in the federal public holiday calendar and is associated with expressions of solidarity with the people of Kashmir. The State Bank of Pakistan separately confirmed that its offices and the banking sector would remain closed to the public on February 5, 2026, in accordance with the government declaration.
For employees and students, Kashmir Day provides an annual public holiday, although individual institutions may issue additional instructions concerning examinations, events or essential services.
March 21 to 23 — Eid-ul-Fitr Holidays
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of Pakistan’s most important religious celebrations. The federal government’s 2026 schedule listed March 21, 22 and 23 as Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, subject to moon sighting.
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the completion of Ramadan. Families traditionally use the occasion for prayers, family gatherings, visits and charitable activities.
The Eid holiday period is also one of the busiest travel periods in Pakistan. People frequently travel from major cities to their hometowns, which can place additional pressure on roads, railway services, airports and bus terminals.
Anyone planning travel around Eid should check transport schedules in advance because services can operate on special timetables.
March 23 — Pakistan Day
Pakistan Day will be observed on Monday, March 23, 2026.
The day is one of the country’s major national occasions. It commemorates the Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940, and is also associated with the adoption of the Constitution of Pakistan in 1956.
The State Bank of Pakistan confirmed that March 23, 2026, was a public holiday and that banks and related financial institutions would remain closed for public dealings.
Government departments, educational institutions and private organisations generally follow the applicable public-holiday arrangements, although essential services can continue operating.
May 1 — Labour Day
Labour Day will be observed on Friday, May 1, 2026.
The day recognises workers and the labour movement and is included in Pakistan’s federal public holiday schedule.
The State Bank of Pakistan confirmed that May 1, 2026, was a public holiday and that banks and financial institutions would remain closed to public dealings.
For workers, Labour Day also provides an opportunity to highlight workplace rights, occupational safety, fair employment practices and the importance of productive labour.
Businesses should check their applicable employment rules before making special arrangements for staff working on a public holiday.
May 27 to 29 — Eid-ul-Azha Holidays
The 2026 holiday schedule listed May 27, 28 and 29 as holidays for Eid-ul-Azha, subject to the relevant lunar determination and official confirmation.
Eid-ul-Azha is associated with the Islamic tradition of sacrifice and is widely observed throughout Pakistan.
The holiday period typically brings increased demand for livestock, transportation, food, shopping and family travel. Markets and businesses may operate under special arrangements before and during the festival.
The State Bank of Pakistan subsequently confirmed that it would remain closed from May 26 to May 28, 2026, for Eid-ul-Azha public holidays. This illustrates why readers should check later official notifications rather than relying solely on the original annual calendar.
May 28 — Youm-e-Takbeer
Youm-e-Takbeer is observed on May 28 and commemorates Pakistan’s nuclear tests conducted in 1998.
The date appears in the federal 2026 holiday schedule alongside the other national and religious occasions.
For news websites, government offices and educational publishers, it is useful to distinguish Youm-e-Takbeer from the Eid-ul-Azha holidays because they represent different occasions even though they occur close together in the 2026 calendar.
June 24 and 25 — Ashura
Ashura, marking the 9th and 10th of Muharram, is another major religious observance in Pakistan.
The 2026 federal schedule listed June 24 and 25 as the Ashura holidays.
The State Bank of Pakistan later confirmed June 25 and 26 as public holidays on the occasion of Ashura after the dates were officially determined.
This is an important example of why holiday articles should be updated when official notifications revise dates. Lunar-calendar dates can differ from initial estimates because the final date depends on the official moon-sighting process.
During Muharram, authorities may also introduce special security and traffic arrangements in areas where religious processions or gatherings are planned.
August 14 — Independence Day
Pakistan Independence Day will be observed on Friday, August 14, 2026.
The day commemorates Pakistan’s independence in 1947 and is one of the country’s most prominent national occasions.
Government buildings, educational institutions and public organisations commonly arrange flag-hoisting ceremonies and other activities around the occasion, subject to official instructions.
For families and travellers, Independence Day can also mean increased activity at public locations, shopping areas and major roads.
August 26 — Eid Milad-un-Nabi
The Cabinet Division issued a separate 2026 notification declaring August 26 as a public holiday for Eid Milad-un-Nabi, corresponding to 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH.
This date should be treated as the official holiday announcement rather than relying on an earlier estimated Islamic-calendar date.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi is observed by many Muslims in Pakistan through religious gatherings, prayers, discussions and other activities.
Local arrangements can vary, particularly where large gatherings or processions are organised.
November 9 — Allama Iqbal Day
Allama Iqbal Day will be observed on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The day commemorates Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the renowned poet and philosopher associated with the intellectual and political development of the Muslim community in the subcontinent.
The date is included among Pakistan’s federal public holidays for 2026.
Students may encounter special school or college activities around the occasion, including speeches, essay competitions and educational programmes focused on Iqbal’s poetry and ideas.
December 25 — Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas
December 25, 2026, will fall on Friday and is listed as a public holiday for Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas.
The date is significant for two reasons. It marks the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and is also Christmas Day, observed by Christian communities.
The combination of these occasions makes December 25 an important date for national and religious observance.
December 26 — Holiday for Christians
The 2026 holiday schedule also identifies December 26 as a holiday for Christians, corresponding to the day after Christmas.
This is different from a nationwide public holiday and should not automatically be interpreted as a universal closure for every employee or organisation.
Employers and institutions should follow the applicable federal rules and their own approved holiday policies.
Public Holidays vs Optional Holidays in Pakistan
One of the most important distinctions in the official holiday calendar is between public and optional holidays.
A public holiday is officially declared for the relevant category of institutions and employees. An optional holiday, however, may be taken by eligible employees according to the applicable rules and with the required approval.
According to reporting on the 2026 Cabinet Division schedule, Muslim employees may avail themselves of one optional holiday, while non-Muslim employees may take up to three optional holidays. Optional holidays are subject to organisational approval and should not disrupt official work.
This means employees should not assume that every date appearing in an optional-holiday list automatically creates a day off.
Bank Holidays in Pakistan 2026
Bank holidays require special attention because a bank holiday is not always the same as a nationwide public holiday.
The 2026 schedule included January 1, February 18 for Zakat deduction subject to moon sighting, and July 1 as bank holidays. On these dates, banks and related institutions may be closed for public dealings while employees can still be required to attend work.
The State Bank of Pakistan subsequently issued individual circulars for specific public holidays and bank holidays during 2026. Its official circular archive lists the year’s public and bank holiday notices.
Customers should therefore check their bank’s latest notice before visiting a branch or planning an urgent transaction.
Why Holiday Dates Can Change
Pakistan’s public holiday calendar contains both fixed national dates and religious dates based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
Fixed national dates, such as August 14, generally remain on the same calendar date each year. Islamic occasions move through the Gregorian calendar and may depend on official moon sighting.
This is why the government may issue a general annual holiday schedule and then publish separate notifications confirming particular religious holidays.
For accurate reporting, news websites should update holiday articles whenever the Cabinet Division releases a new notification.
Are Schools and Colleges Closed on Public Holidays?
Public holidays generally affect government educational institutions, but individual schools, colleges and universities may issue their own academic calendars and notices.
Students should not rely solely on a general holiday article when an examination, admission deadline or important class is involved.
For board examinations, admissions and university activities, the institution or examination authority’s latest notification should be treated as the primary source.
Private educational institutions may also have specific rules concerning working days and make-up classes.
Are Private Companies Closed on Public Holidays?
Not every private business operates in exactly the same way.
Some businesses close completely on public holidays, while others maintain essential services or operate according to industry-specific requirements and employment rules.
Banks and government offices follow their own official schedules, while hospitals, emergency services, transport operators and other essential services may continue operating.
Employees should check their employer’s official holiday policy rather than assuming that every organisation follows an identical schedule.
How to Plan Around Pakistan Public Holidays
A holiday calendar can help families and businesses plan the year more effectively.
Students should check whether holidays affect examinations, admissions or assignment deadlines. Travellers should book transport early around Eid and other major holidays. Businesses should plan staff availability, inventory, deliveries and customer support.
People making bank payments or government applications should also consider public and bank holidays when calculating processing times.
If a deadline falls close to a holiday, submit documents early where possible.
Important Reminder for Readers
Holiday dates can be updated by the government. This is particularly important for Islamic holidays because final dates may depend on moon sighting.
Jasaim.com readers should always check the latest Cabinet Division notification for federal holidays and the State Bank of Pakistan for banking arrangements.
The official Cabinet Division website currently maintains a dedicated section for public and optional holidays and lists the 2026 notifications, including Eid, Ashura and Eid Milad-un-Nabi announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main public holidays in Pakistan in 2026?
Major public holidays include Kashmir Day, Pakistan Day, Labour Day, Eid holidays, Youm-e-Takbeer, Ashura, Independence Day, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Allama Iqbal Day, and Quaid-e-Azam Day/Christmas.
Is March 23, 2026, a public holiday in Pakistan?
Yes. March 23, 2026, is Pakistan Day and was declared a public holiday. The State Bank also confirmed the closure for banks and related institutions.
When is Independence Day in Pakistan in 2026?
Pakistan Independence Day will be observed on August 14, 2026.
When are Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in 2026?
The federal holiday schedule initially listed March 21–23, 2026, subject to moon sighting.
Are Islamic holiday dates always fixed?
No. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, and their Gregorian dates can depend on official moon sighting and government notification.
Is July 1, 2026, a public holiday?
July 1 is designated as a bank holiday. The State Bank stated that banks, DFIs and MFBs would remain closed for public dealing while employees would attend offices.
Is December 25 a public holiday in Pakistan?
Yes. December 25 is listed as a public holiday for Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas.
Is December 26 a holiday for everyone?
The 2026 federal schedule identifies December 26 as a holiday for Christians only. It should not be treated as a universal nationwide holiday.
Where can I verify Pakistan’s official holiday calendar?
The Cabinet Division is the primary federal source for public and optional holidays. The State Bank of Pakistan publishes separate notices for banking closures and public holidays affecting banks.
Final Publishing Note
For readers searching for Pakistan public holidays 2026, the most important point is to use the official notification for the latest confirmed date. The annual calendar provides the framework, but later government notifications can clarify or change religious holiday dates.
Jasaim.com can keep this article useful throughout the year by updating the holiday table whenever the Cabinet Division or State Bank of Pakistan issues a new notification. This approach is particularly important for Eid, Ashura and other lunar-calendar occasions.
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