The federal government has announced a public holiday across Pakistan on November 9, 2026, to mark Iqbal Day.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, Monday, November 9, will be a public holiday across the country.
How has the holiday been announced?
The holiday is part of the annual schedule announced through a circular issued by the Cabinet Division on January 19, 2026.
All ministries and government departments have been directed to make sure of the implementation of the notification.
Following the announcement, all educational institutions and public and private offices across Pakistan will remain closed on November 9.
Employees of offices and educational institutions that observe two weekly holidays will get three consecutive days off from November 7 to 9. Normal activities will resume on Tuesday, November 10.
Which other holidays are expected in November 2026?
Pakistanis will enjoy a three-day weekend in November 2026 as the country observes Iqbal Day on Monday, November 9.
The government has announced a nationwide public holiday to mark the birth anniversary of national poet and philosopher Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
As November 7 and 8 fall on Saturday and Sunday, people who already have weekends off will get three consecutive days off without using any additional leave.
Schools and colleges will also remain closed on Monday. Students and teachers will therefore get a three-day break from their regular academic activities.
November 9 will also be the first nationwide public holiday since Independence Day on August 14, 2026.
Previously, reports about three public holidays in Pakistan were circulating online. However, there was no official announcement for holidays on Wednesday, October 14, Thursday, October 15 or Friday, October 16, 2026.
The Cabinet Division had not issued any notification for these dates. No official government record also shows three days of holidays during this period.
