The Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir has declared Monday 16th February 2026 as a Public Holiday with an official notification passed in connection with it.
According to the official statement the holiday has been announced keeping in view the fact that the Overseas Kashmir Conference is scheduled to be held at the capital Muzaffarabad.
A large number of Pakistanis from abroad and Kashmiris are expected to participate in the conference and the move is to assure smooth administrative and security arrangement.
The notification says all the government and semi-government institutions and private commercial centers in Muzaffarabad will be shut down on February 16.
The government stressed that this step is necessary to have distinguished guests and ensure the successful conduct of the conference.
Officials said that the main motive of the Overseas Kashmir Conference is to develop the region and also educate overseas Kashmiris and Pakistani investors about business investment and facilities available in Azad Kashmir.
The government of Azad Kashmir said that the conference will boost its relationship with the Kashmiri community abroad and urge them to take an active role in the economic growth, prosperity and sustainable planning in the area.
Federal govt announces public for 2026
Earlier the federal government announced public and optional holidays for the year 2026, the Cabinet Secretariat issued a notification in this regard.
The Cabinet Division released the full holiday schedule, which covers national days, Islamic occasions, and minority festivals.
According to the notification, the first public holiday of the year was fall on Kashmir Day on February 5.
Pakistan Day will be observed on March 23, Monday. Eidul Fitr holidays will be on March 21, 22, and 23. Labour Day will be observed on May 1, followed by Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28.
Eidul Azha holidays will be from May 27 to 29. Public holidays will also be observed on 9th and 10th Muharram, falling on June 24 and 25.
Pakistan’s Independence Day will be marked on August 14, Friday. Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) will be observed on August 25, Tuesday.
Allama Iqbal Day will fall on November 9, Monday. December 25 will be a public holiday on Quaid-e-Azam’s birthday and Christmas.
December 26 will be a holiday only for the Christian community. Bank holidays will be observed on January 1 and July 1.
Also read: Punjab announces holidays for 2026, check key dates now
