Pakistan will observe 17 public holidays in 2026, including national celebrations, religious observances, and special days. This official schedule helps employees, students, and businesses plan their year effectively.
📅 Quick Summary
| Category | Total Days |
|---|---|
| National Holidays | 7 days |
| Religious Holidays | 9-10 days* |
| Special Observances | 1 day |
| Total | ~17 days |
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PK National & Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| February 5 | Thursday | Kashmir Day |
| March 23 | Monday | Pakistan Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 28 | Thursday | Youm-e-Takbeer |
| August 14 | Friday | Independence Day |
| November 9 | Monday | Iqbal Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Quaid-e-Azam Day & Christmas |
Long Weekend Opportunities
- March 23 (Pakistan Day) – potential 3-day weekend
- August 14 (Independence Day) – Friday holiday
- December 25-26 – Christmas long weekend
🕌 Islamic Holidays 2026 (Tentative)*
| Event | Expected Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Eid-ul-Fitr | March 21-23 | 3 days |
| Eid-ul-Adha | May 27-28 | 2 days |
| Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram) | June 25-26 | 2 days |
| Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ | August 25 | 1 day |
Important: Islamic dates depend on moon sighting by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Confirm before making travel plans.
🎄 Special Holiday
December 26 (Saturday) – Post-Christmas Holiday
(Applicable to Christian community employees only)
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Who Gets These Holidays?
✅ Federal & Provincial Government Offices
✅ Banks & Financial Institutions
✅ Public Schools, Colleges & Universities
✅ Most Private Companies (company policy may vary)
Note: Some private organizations may have different policies. Check with your employer.
🗓️ Month-Wise Holiday Breakdown
Q1 (Jan-Mar)
- February: Kashmir Day (5th)
- March: Pakistan Day (23rd), Eid-ul-Fitr (21-23)*
Q2 (Apr-Jun)
- May: Labour Day (1st), Youm-e-Takbeer (28th), Eid-ul-Adha (27-28)*
- June: Ashura (25-26)*
Q3 (Jul-Sep)
- August: Independence Day (14th), Eid Milad-un-Nabi (25)*
Q4 (Oct-Dec)
- November: Iqbal Day (9th)
- December: Quaid-e-Azam Day (25th), Christmas Holiday (26th)
📱 How to Stay Updated
Official Sources:
- Ministry of Interior notifications
- Provincial government websites
- Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announcements
- Official gazette publications
Tips: ⚠️ Confirm Islamic holidays 1-2 days before
⚠️ Check provincial notifications for regional holidays
⚠️ Subscribe to government alert services
⚠️ Follow official social media accounts
💡 Planning Tips for 2026
For Employees
- Plan annual leaves around long weekends
- Submit leave applications early for Eid holidays
- Coordinate with team for holiday coverage
For Students
- Check academic calendar for exam schedules
- Plan study breaks during holidays
- Confirm university-specific closures
For Travelers
- Book tickets 2-3 months in advance for Eid
- Avoid peak travel dates for better prices
- Consider mid-week holidays for less crowded trips
For Businesses
- Schedule important meetings before holidays
- Plan inventory for extended breaks
- Inform clients about holiday closures
❓ Common Questions
Q: Can holidays change after announcement?
A: Yes, Islamic holidays may shift 1-2 days based on moon sighting.
Q: Are private companies required to give these holidays?
A: Federal holidays are recommended but not mandatory for private sector. Company policy applies.
Q: Do all provinces follow the same schedule?
A: Mostly yes, but provinces may add regional holidays (e.g., Sindhi Culture Day).
Q: What happens if a holiday falls on Sunday?
A: Usually, the next working day becomes a compensatory holiday.
Q: Are schools closed on all public holidays?
A: Yes, educational institutions typically follow the government holiday schedule.
🎯 Key Takeaways
✔️ 17 total public holidays in 2026
✔️ 7 fixed national holidays with confirmed dates
✔️ 9-10 Islamic holidays subject to moon sighting
✔️ Best long weekends: March (Pakistan Day), August (Independence Day), December (Christmas)
✔️ Plan ahead: Book travel early for Eid holidays
Final Note
The Public Holidays Pakistan 2026 schedule balances national pride, religious observance, and personal time throughout the year. While national holidays have fixed dates, always verify Islamic holidays closer to the date.
Stay informed through official government channels for any last-minute changes.
Bookmark this page and check back for updates as moon sighting dates are confirmed!
Official Source: Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Interior