The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced a public holiday for banks across the country on Monday, November 9, 2026, on the occasion of Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s birth anniversary, observed as Iqbal Day.
According to an official directive issued by the central bank, all commercial banks, microfinance banks and development finance institutions will remain closed for public transactions on November 9. As November 7 and 8 fall on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, banks across the country will observe a three-day closure from November 7 to 9. Regular banking operations and financial services will resume on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
On the other hand, a member of the Sindh Assembly, Mahesh Kumar of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), has requested the provincial government to declare November 10 a holiday for educational institutions across Sindh to facilitate Hindu students celebrating Diwali.
According to details, Mahesh Kumar has written a letter to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, urging him to announce a holiday in all educational institutions on November 10 and reschedule examinations scheduled around the festival.
In his letter, the lawmaker highlighted the educational and financial challenges faced by members of the Hindu community, stressing the need to facilitate students observing their religious festival.
He pointed out that Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, followed by the nationwide public holiday on November 9 for Iqbal Day. Declaring November 10 a holiday for educational institutions would allow Hindu students to celebrate the festival with their families over three consecutive days.
Mahesh Kumar also urged educational institutions and examination boards to postpone all examinations scheduled from November 8 to 10 and announce revised dates.
He said the proposed measures would help Hindu students, particularly those travelling from remote areas and other cities, avoid having to choose between their religious celebrations and academic commitments.
