The Punjab government announced a province-wide public holiday on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, and issued a formal notification in this regard.
The holiday will be observed across all districts of the province uniformly.
According to the details shared in the notification released by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), all government offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, government corporations, local councils, and all public and semi-public educational institutions operating under the administrative control of the Punjab government will remain closed on the said date.
The decision has been taken to facilitate citizens in participating in religious activities without any problem.
The Auqaf Department and other relevant authorities have also been directed to make sure that appropriate arrangements are made at mosques, shrines, and graveyards, keeping the expected rush in mind, in order to avoid any chaotic or unpleasant situation.
Shab-e-Barat in Pakistan
Shab-e-Barat will be observed across Pakistan on Thursday, February 3, 2026.
According to the tradition, Shab-e-Barat is observed on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Sha’ban.
The night is celebrated with devotion and religious enthusiasm across the country.
This year, Sha’ban began in Pakistan on January 21, 2026. According to a confirmation by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
In accordance with this calendar, Shab-e-Barat will fall on the night between the 14th and 15th of Sha’ban.
Muslims across the world spend the night in prayer and worship. They seek Allah’s blessings and mercy on this night.
Basant holiday
The Punjab government has announced Basant celebrations in Lahore from February 6 to 8, but it has yet to confirm whether the festival will be observed as a public holiday.
During a press conference, Punjab government spokesperson Azma Bukhari was asked whether there would be a public holiday in Lahore for Basant. She replied that no final decision has been made yet.
The spokesperson further added that the government would officially inform the public if a holiday is declared.
For now, no clear instructions regarding a public holiday have been issued.
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