The federal government has designated Monday, November 9 as a national public holiday to celebrate Allama Iqbal Day, providing Pakistanis with an extra holiday next week.
The Cabinet Division has issued an official press release to mark the birth anniversary of the national poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal as a public holiday across the country on Monday, November 9.
The holiday is on a Monday, so those who follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend holiday schedule will enjoy 3 straight days off Nov. 7 – Nov. 9.
The extended break will probably be a chance for employees, students, and families to travel, plan for recreation, or spend more time at home.
The Cabinet Division issued the notification under reference number 10-01/2026-Min-II, confirming the holiday as per earlier circular listing of public and optional holidays for the year 2026 issued by the Cabinet Division.
The Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal issued the press release on this day. The division has also ordered the announcement to be made in all major newspapers both English and Urdu and in electronic media.
Allama Iqbal Day is celebrated on 9th November every year, as the day of the birth of the poet who is considered to be the ideologue of the Pakistan Movement.
Iqbal is popularly referred to as ‘Poet of the East’, he was a major contributor to the political thought of Muslims in the subcontinent through his poetry, philosophy and political vision.
So, this November 9th, Pakistanis will be enjoying a long weekend of 3 days.
