Govt announce Pakistan Public and optional holidays for 2026. The Government of Pakistan has officially released the public and optional holiday schedule for the year 2026. Giving citizens, institutions and businesses clarity on national, religious and cultural observances throughout the year. The notification was issue by the Cabinet Division and share with all federal ministries and departments.
Under the new calendar, key public holidays in 2026 will include:
- Kashmir Day – February 5
- Pakistan Day – March 23
- Eid‑ul‑Fitr – March 21–23 (dates subject to moon sighting)
- Labour Day – May 1
- Youm‑e‑Takbeer – May 28
- Eid‑ul‑Adha – May 27–29
- Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram) – June 24 & 25
- Independence Day – August 14
- Eid Milad‑un‑Nabi – August 25
- Allama Iqbal Day – November 9
- Quaid‑e‑Azam Day & Christmas – December 25
An additional holiday on December 26 has been designate for the Christian community following Christmas.
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Other Religious Holidays
The schedule also identifies several optional holidays to respect the religious and cultural diversity of Pakistan. These include festivals observed by minority communities such as Holi, Diwali, Easter, Baisakhi, Durga Puja, Dussehra, and birthdays of spiritual figures like Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Lord Zoroaster. Optional Muslim observances such as Shab‑e‑Meraj, Shab‑e‑Barat, Chehlum and Giyarvee Shareef are also list, with dates subject to moon sightings and organisational approval.
Under the announced policy, Muslim government employees may take one optional holiday per year, while non‑Muslim employees may avail up to three optional holidays, pending approval from their organisation heads to ensure essential services are maintained. In addition, the calendar highlights bank holidays when institutions will be closed for public services including January 1, February 18 (for Zakat deduction), and July 1 while banks remain operational for employees.
This comprehensive holiday schedule provides advance planning time for schools, businesses, and families across Pakistan, accommodating both national pride and cultural inclusivity throughout 2026.