The federal government has declared Wednesday, August 26, 2026, a public holiday across Pakistan on the occasion of 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, Eid Milad-un-Nabi.
The Cabinet Division issued an official notification after approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, confirming that government offices and institutions will remain closed tomorrow.
The holiday falls on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH, following the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee’s confirmation that the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon was not sighted earlier.
Schools, offices to remain closed
Government offices and institutions across the country will observe the public holiday on Wednesday.
Educational institutions will also remain closed where the holiday applies. In Sindh, the provincial government has separately notified the closure of government offices, schools, colleges and other educational institutions on August 26.
Essential and emergency services, however, will continue operating as usual.
Why is August 26 a public holiday?
August 26 marks 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, observed as Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), commemorating the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announced that Eid Milad-un-Nabi would be observed on August 26 after its moon-sighting meeting in Islamabad.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 1 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH began on August 15, making August 26 the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations
Eid Milad-un-Nabi will be observed across Pakistan with religious gatherings, Milad ceremonies, Quran recitations, Naat and Durood-o-Salaam.
Mosques, homes, streets and public buildings have been decorated with lights, flags to mark the occasion.
Special prayers will also be offered for the unity and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah and the progress of Pakistan.
Milad processions will be held in various cities, while religious scholars and speakers will highlight the life, teachings and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Punjab makes special arrangements
The Punjab Home Department has directed administrative and police authorities to make special security and other arrangements for Eid Milad-un-Nabi processions.
Water and refreshment stalls will be established along major procession routes, while prominent buildings and government and private offices will be illuminated.
The provincial government has also directed public and private schools to organise Milad gatherings and other programmes highlighting the Seerat-un-Nabi.
Sindh confirms August 26 holiday
The Sindh government has also officially declared Wednesday, August 26, 2026, a public holiday on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi.
The holiday will apply to provincial government offices and other institutions working under the provincial government.
However, personnel associated with essential services will remain on duty to ensure that critical public services are not disrupted.
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