Govt announces public, optional holidays for year 2026

Aneela.Riazuddin August 1, 2026 Pakistan

The federal government has announced public and optional holidays for the year 2026, the Cabinet Secretariat has issued a notification.

The Cabinet Division on Monday 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 will fall on Kashmir Day on February 5, Thursday.

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, February 18, and July 1.

About the Author

Aneela.Riazuddin

Over 25 years of experience in print, electronic, and digital media, she has worked with Dawn, Business Recorder, Online News Agency, The Tribune magazine, and Hum News. Her work spans from traditional journalism to modern digital platforms.