The holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Pakistan Day are expected to be combined as Ramzan is expected to end on March 19 or March 20, 2026.
Following the dates, Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated in Pakistan on March 20 or March 21, respectively.
Every year, the Pakistani government announces a three-day holiday for religious festivals. This year, the Pakistan Day holiday will be combined with the Eid‑ul‑Fitr break.
Eid holidays
Eid-ul-Fitr (1st Shawal 1447 AH) is expected to be observed from March 21 to 23 (Saturday to Monday), depending on moon sighting.
Eid-ul-Azha (10th Zil Hajj 1447 AH) holidays will fall from May 27 to 29 (Wednesday to Friday).
Ashura (9th and 10th Muharram 1448 AH) will be observed on June 24 and 25 (Wednesday and Thursday).
Cabinet Division notification
The federal government announced the official public and optional holidays for 2026 on January 19.
The notification covers national days and religious festivals observed by both Muslims and minority communities across Pakistan.
The notification was issued by the Cabinet Division and shared with all federal ministries, divisions, and relevant departments.
Public holidays in 2026
Key public holidays in 2026 include: Kashmir Day-February 5, Pakistan Day-March 23, Labour Day-May 1, Independence Day-August 14.
Moreover, Allama Iqbal Day-November 9, Quaid-e-Azam Day; and Christmas-December 25.
Other mentioned holidays
Youm-e-Takbeer will be observed on May 28, and Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12th Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH) is scheduled for August 25, subject to moon sighting.
December 26 will be a holiday for Christians only, the day following Christmas.
Optional holidays
The notification also lists optional holidays for minority communities, including Holi, Diwali, Easter, Baisakhi, Durga Puja, Dussehra.
Optional Muslim holidays include Shab-e-Meraj, Shab-e-Barat, Chehlum, and Giyarvee Shareef, all subject to moon sighting.
Muslim employees may take one optional holiday, while non-Muslim employees can avail up to three optional holidays in a calendar year. These holidays are granted at the discretion of the head of an organisation, provided official work is not affected.
Bank holidays
Banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), and microfinance banks (MFBs) will remain closed for public dealings, but not for employees, on January 1, February 18 (for Zakat deduction, subject to moon sighting), and July 1, 2026.
The government says the schedule is intended to allow citizens and employees to plan for national celebrations, religious observances, and community events throughout the year.
Also Read: Punjab govt announces Rs10000 for Ration Card holders this Ramzan
