Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026 – Complete Guide

Public holidays in Pakistan 2026 are officially announced by the government each year to mark national milestones, religious observances, and events of historical importance. These holidays apply to federal and provincial government offices, while private organizations and educational institutions usually follow the same schedule with minor variations.

This complete guide to public holidays in Pakistan for 2026 helps employees, students, businesses, and travelers plan their year in advance.

Why Public Holidays Matter in Pakistan

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Public holidays are more than just days off. They reflect Pakistan’s:

• National history and identity

• Religious and cultural traditions

• Social values and collective memory

They also help people plan:

• Travel and family gatherings

• Business operations

• Academic calendars

Here is a clean, Google-friendly, AdSense-safe Province-wise Public Holidays table for Pakistan (2026).
Neutral, factual, and easy to scan.

Province-Wise Public Holidays in Pakistan (2026)

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Note: National and major religious holidays apply to all provinces.
The table below highlights additional or commonly observed provincial holidays. Dates may vary slightly based on official notifications.

📍 Punjab

📍 Sindh

📍 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)

📍 Balochistan

📍 Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)

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Important Notes

• 🌓 Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting and may change by 1–2 days
• 📢 Provinces may announce additional local holidays
• 🏫 Schools, banks, and private offices may follow slightly different schedules

National Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026

1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day

Observed as the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Government offices remain closed, and many people use the day for rest and reflection.

23 March 2026 – Pakistan Day

Also known as Youm-e-Pakistan, this day commemorates the Lahore Resolution of 1940. National ceremonies, parades, and official events are held across the country.

1 May 2026 – Labour Day

Labour Day recognizes workers’ rights and contributions. Rallies, seminars, and public discussions on labor welfare are common.

14 August 2026 – Independence Day

Independence Day marks Pakistan’s freedom in 1947. Celebrations include flag hoisting, national songs, cultural programs, and public events nationwide.

25 December 2026 – Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas

This day honors the birth of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and is also observed as Christmas Day for the Christian community. It is a nationwide public holiday.

Religious Public Holidays (Subject to Moon Sighting)

Islamic holidays in Pakistan depend on moon sighting and may vary by one or two days.

Eid-ul-Fitr (Expected: April 2026)

Marks the end of Ramadan. Celebrated with Eid prayers, family gatherings, charity (Zakat-ul-Fitr), and festive meals.

Eid-ul-Azha (Expected: June 2026)

Also called Bakra Eid. Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion. Includes animal sacrifice and distribution of meat among relatives and the needy.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Expected: September 2026)

Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Observed with religious gatherings, processions, and prayers.

Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram—Expected: July 2026)

Observed in remembrance of Imam Hussain (RA). Marked by religious processions and mourning rituals.

Provincial & Optional Holidays

Apart from federal holidays, provincial governments may announce:

• Regional cultural holidays

• Local religious observances

• Special administrative holidays

Employees should check provincial notifications for confirmation.

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Public Holidays & the Private Sector

• Government offices: Fully closed on official holidays

• Private companies: May remain open depending on policy

• Banks: Usually closed on national and major religious holidays

• Schools & universities: Follow government notifications

Essential services like healthcare and emergency response remain operational.

Planning Tips for 2026

• Book travel early around Eid holidays

• Expect higher demand for transport during long weekends

• Businesses should adjust operations and payroll schedules

• Students should track academic calendars carefully

Important Note on Holiday Dates

Religious holiday dates are tentative and depend on official moon sighting announcements by the Government of Pakistan. Always confirm final dates through official notifications.

Final Thoughts

The Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026 provide a balanced mix of national pride, religious devotion, and rest from daily routines. Understanding these holidays helps individuals and organizations plan responsibly while respecting Pakistan’s cultural and religious diversity.

Staying informed ensures smoother planning throughout the year.

Printable Holiday Calendar 

Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026 National Holidays: 1 January – New Year’s Day 23 March –
Pakistan Day 1 May – Labour Day 14 August – Independence Day 25 December – Quaid-e-Azam
Day / Christmas Religious Holidays (subject to moon sighting): Eid-ul-Fitr – April 2026 (expected)
Eid-ul-Azha – June 2026 (expected) Ashura – July 2026 (expected) Eid Milad-un-Nabi – September
2026 (expected) Note: Dates may vary based on official announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions (Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026)

1. How many public holidays are there in Pakistan 2026?

The total number of public holidays in Pakistan 2026 depends on moon sighting for Islamic events, but usually ranges between 15 to 18 official holidays, including national and religious days.

2. Are public holidays in Pakistan 2026 the same in all provinces?

Most public holidays in Pakistan 2026, such as national and major religious holidays, are observed nationwide. However, provinces may announce additional regional holidays.

3. Are Islamic public holidays in Pakistan 2026 confirmed in advance?

Islamic public holidays in Pakistan 2026, including Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha, are subject to moon sighting, so final dates may change by one or two days.

4. Will banks remain closed on public holidays in Pakistan 2026?

Yes, banks usually remain closed on officially declared public holidays in Pakistan 2026, as notified by the State Bank of Pakistan.

5. Do private companies follow public holidays in Pakistan 2026?

Most private organizations observe public holidays in Pakistan 2026, but final decisions depend on company policy and business requirements.

6. Are schools and universities closed during public holidays in Pakistan 2026?

Yes, schools, colleges, and universities generally remain closed on public holidays in Pakistan 2026, unless special exams or activities are scheduled.

7. Is Independence Day included in public holidays in Pakistan 2026?

Yes, 14 August (Independence Day) is one of the most important public holidays in Pakistan 2026, observed nationwide.

8. Is 25 December included in public holidays in Pakistan 2026?

Yes, 25 December is included in the public holidays in Pakistan 2026 as it marks Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas.

9. Can provinces add extra public holidays in Pakistan 2026?

Yes, provincial governments may declare additional public holidays in Pakistan 2026 for cultural, regional, or administrative reasons.

10. Where can I find official updates on public holidays in Pakistan 2026?

Official updates for public holidays in Pakistan 2026 are announced through:

• Government of Pakistan notifications

• Provincial government websites

• Cabinet Division circulars

Always rely on official sources for confirmation.

پاکستان میں سرکاری تعطیلات 2026 – مکمل رہنمائی

پاکستان میں ہر سال حکومت کی جانب سے سرکاری تعطیلات کا اعلان کیا جاتا ہے تاکہ قومی، مذہبی اور تاریخی دنوں کو منایا جا سکے۔ سال 2026 میں بھی قومی اور اسلامی تعطیلات شامل ہیں جن پر سرکاری دفاتر، تعلیمی ادارے اور اکثر نجی ادارے بند رہتے ہیں۔

قومی تعطیلات 2026:

• 1 جنوری – یومِ سالِ نو

• 23 مارچ – یومِ پاکستان

• 1 مئی – یومِ مزدور

• 14 اگست – یومِ آزادی

• 25 دسمبر – قائدِ اعظم ڈے / کرسمس

مذہبی تعطیلات (چاند دیکھنے سے مشروط):

• عیدالفطر – اپریل 2026 (متوقع)

• عیدالاضحیٰ – جون 2026 (متوقع)

• عاشورہ – جولائی 2026 (متوقع)

• عید میلادالنبی ﷺ – ستمبر 2026 (متوقع)

مذہبی تعطیلات کی حتمی تاریخوں کا اعلان حکومت پاکستان سرکاری طور پر کرتی ہے۔