For government employees, students, private workers, and families across Pakistan, knowing the official holiday calendar in advance helps plan work, travel, exams, and family events. To remove uncertainty, the federal government has officially issued the public and optional holidays schedule for 2026, covering national days, religious occasions, and minority holidays.
This article provides a clear, complete, and easy-to-read breakdown of all public holidays in Pakistan for 2026, along with important notes every citizen should understand.
What This Official Holiday Notification Covers
The 2026 holiday schedule has been issued through the Cabinet Division and applies to:
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Federal government offices
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Banks and financial institutions
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Educational institutions
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Most public-sector organizations
Islamic holidays mentioned in the list are subject to moon sighting, which means dates may change by one day depending on official announcements.
Complete List of Public Holidays in Pakistan – 2026
Below is the full official list of public holidays announced for 2026. These holidays will be observed nationwide unless stated otherwise.
National and Religious Public Holidays
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Kashmir Day – 5 February 2026 (Thursday)
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Pakistan Day – 23 March 2026 (Monday)
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Eid-ul-Fitr – 21, 22 & 23 March 2026 (Saturday to Monday)
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Labour Day – 1 May 2026 (Friday)
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Youm-e-Takbeer – 28 May 2026 (Thursday)
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Eid-ul-Azha – 27, 28 & 29 May 2026 (Wednesday to Friday)
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Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram) – 24 & 25 June 2026 (Wednesday & Thursday)
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Independence Day – 14 August 2026 (Friday)
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Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12th Rabi-ul-Awwal) – 25 August 2026 (Tuesday)
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Allama Iqbal Day – 9 November 2026 (Monday)
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Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas – 25 December 2026 (Friday)
These dates apply to the general public, including offices and schools, unless otherwise notified by provinces.
Holiday for Christian Community
In addition to the general public holidays, a specific holiday has been notified for the Christian community:
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Day After Christmas – 26 December 2026 (Saturday)
(For Christian employees only)
This ensures minority religious observances are respected within the official calendar.
Optional Holidays in Pakistan – 2026
Apart from public holidays, the government has also designated optional holidays. These are mainly intended for minority communities and religious observances.
Important points about optional holidays:
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They are not compulsory nationwide holidays
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Employees may take them with departmental approval
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They are usually availed based on personal or religious need
Departments and institutions often issue separate internal circulars regarding optional holidays.
Important Notes About Islamic Holidays
Islamic holidays such as Eid and Ashura depend on moon sighting, so:
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Final dates are confirmed closer to the event
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A one-day change is possible
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Official announcements should always be followed
Citizens are advised not to finalize travel or major events solely based on tentative Islamic dates.
Who Should Pay Special Attention to This Schedule
This holiday list is particularly important for:
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Government and bank employees planning leave
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Students and parents managing exams and travel
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Private-sector organizations aligning work calendars
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Businesses planning operations around long weekends
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Minority communities observing religious events
Early awareness helps avoid last-minute confusion.
Can Provinces Add More Holidays
Yes. While this list applies at the federal level, provinces may:
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Declare additional local holidays
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Observe regional or cultural events
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Adjust working days for specific departments
Always check provincial government notifications for final confirmation.
How These Holidays Affect Banks and Offices
In most cases:
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Banks remain closed on public holidays
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Government offices do not operate
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Schools and colleges remain closed unless notified otherwise
However, essential services such as hospitals, emergency services, and utilities continue to operate.
Why the 2026 Holiday Schedule Matters
An early and official holiday calendar helps:
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Improve work-life balance
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Support family and religious planning
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Reduce workplace confusion
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Ensure smoother coordination between institutions
For many people, holidays are not just breaks — they are part of cultural, national, and religious identity.
What Citizens Should Do Now
To make the best use of the 2026 schedule:
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Mark confirmed holidays on your calendar
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Stay flexible around moon-dependent dates
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Watch for provincial or departmental updates
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Employers should circulate internal holiday notices early
Planning ahead always reduces stress.
Conclusion
The official list of public holidays in Pakistan for 2026 provides much-needed clarity for citizens across the country. With a balanced mix of national days, religious observances, and minority holidays, the schedule reflects Pakistan’s diverse social and cultural fabric.
While some dates may change due to moon sighting, this calendar serves as a reliable planning guide for the year ahead. Staying informed through official notifications will help individuals and institutions manage time, commitments, and celebrations smoothly throughout 2026.
