Pakistan is a country where holidays carry deep meaning — they are not just days off from work, they are moments of faith, patriotism, family, and culture woven together. Whether it is the joyful celebration of Eid, the pride of Independence Day, or the solidarity of Kashmir Day, each Public Holiday in Pakistan marks something significant on the national calendar. In 2026, Pakistanis have a well-spread set of national, bank, and optional holidays to look forward to, with several golden opportunities for long weekends and family getaways.
Understanding the Three Types of Holidays in Pakistan
Before diving into the full list, it is important to understand the three distinct holiday categories observed across the country.
- National / Public Holidays: These are gazetted holidays applicable to all citizens. Schools, offices, government departments, and most businesses remain closed. They include both religious occasions and national days of historical importance.
- Bank Holidays: On these days, banks are closed for public dealing and carry out only their internal operations. Some bank holidays overlap with public holidays, while others — like the July 1 Bank Holiday — are exclusive to the banking sector.
- Optional / Restricted Holidays: These are non-compulsory holidays observed by specific religious or cultural communities living in Pakistan. Employees in government sectors must make prior arrangements to avail themselves of these holidays.
Complete List of Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026
The following table presents all confirmed national and public holidays for 2026. Note that Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting and dates may shift by a day.
| Holiday Name | Date | Day | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Kashmir Solidarity Day | February 5, 2026 | Thursday | National Holiday |
| Eid ul-Fitr (Day 1) | March 21, 2026* | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Eid ul-Fitr (Day 2) | March 22, 2026* | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Pakistan Day / Eid ul-Fitr (Day 3) | March 23, 2026* | Monday | National Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 1, 2026 | Friday | National Holiday |
| Eid ul-Azha (Day 1) | May 27, 2026* | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Youm-e-Takbeer / Eid ul-Azha (Day 2) | May 28, 2026* | Thursday | National Holiday |
| Eid ul-Azha (Day 3) | May 29, 2026* | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Ashura (9th Muharram) | June 24, 2026* | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Ashura (10th Muharram) | June 25, 2026* | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | August 14, 2026 | Friday | National Holiday |
| Eid Milad un-Nabi | August 25, 2026* | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Iqbal Day | November 9, 2026 | Monday | National Holiday |
| Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas | December 25, 2026 | Friday | National Holiday |
| Second Day of Christmas | December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Optional Holiday |
National Holidays in Pakistan 2026 — Date-Wise Details
1. New Year’s Day — January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
- The year kicks off with a public holiday as Pakistan joins the rest of the world in welcoming the new year. Banks remain closed on this day, making it important to complete any financial transactions in advance. Falling on a Thursday, it offers a natural break before the working week continues.
2. Kashmir Solidarity Day — February 5, 2026 (Thursday)
- This day is observed with nationwide rallies, human chains, special programmes, and public speeches to express solidarity with the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. As a Thursday holiday, it sits temptingly close to the weekend, making it a popular occasion for short getaways or extended family time.
3. Pakistan Day — March 23, 2026 (Monday)
- Pakistan Day commemorates the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940, which laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan. Official ceremonies, flag hoisting events, and military parades mark the day. In 2026, Pakistan Day coincides with the third day of Eid ul-Fitr, creating a meaningful overlap of religious celebration and national pride.
4. Eid ul-Fitr — March 21–23, 2026 (Saturday to Monday)
- Eid ul-Fitr is arguably the most eagerly awaited holiday of the year. It marks the joyful end of Ramadan — a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Families come together for special prayers, exchange of gifts, Eidi for children, daawats, and sweet dishes like sheer khurma. In 2026, Eid falls from Saturday to Monday, creating a natural three-day long weekend for rest, travel, and celebration.
5. Labour Day — May 1, 2026 (Friday)
- Observed globally, Labour Day honours the contributions of workers to society and the economy. In Pakistan, it is a gazetted public holiday. Landing on a Friday in 2026, it sets up a perfect three-day weekend for families and working professionals alike.
6. Eid ul-Azha — May 27–29, 2026 (Wednesday to Friday)
- The Festival of Sacrifice is one of the most spiritually significant events in the Islamic calendar. Qurbani (animal sacrifice), distribution of meat to neighbours and the less fortunate, family visits, and prayers define these days. With the three holidays falling on Wednesday through Friday in 2026, families gain a rare five-day break when combined with the weekend — ideal for domestic travel, hosting relatives, or simply soaking in the festive spirit.
7. Youm-e-Takbeer — May 28, 2026 (Thursday)
- Youm-e-Takbeer commemorates Pakistan’s historic nuclear tests conducted on May 28, 1998 — a milestone in the country’s defence history. The day is observed with national pride through media programmes, official events, and public ceremonies. In 2026, it falls within the Eid ul-Azha holiday window.
8. Ashura — June 24–25, 2026 (Wednesday & Thursday)
- Ashura marks the 9th and 10th of Muharram, one of the most solemn occasions in the Islamic calendar. It is observed with religious gatherings, processions, and acts of remembrance across the country. In 2026, the two-day Ashura holiday falls on Wednesday and Thursday, and with Friday already a half-working day, it creates potential for an extended four-to-five-day midyear break.
9. Independence Day — August 14, 2026 (Friday)
- Independence Day is celebrated with unmatched national enthusiasm. Pakistan gained independence on August 14, 1947, and each year the day is marked with flag hoisting ceremonies, fireworks, patriotic songs, public gatherings, and illumination of landmarks in green and white. In 2026, it falls on a Friday, practically gifting the nation a long weekend of patriotic celebration.
10. Eid Milad un-Nabi — August 25, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Eid Milad un-Nabi celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal. The day is observed with religious gatherings, recitation of naats, illumination of mosques and streets, and processions. It holds deep cultural and spiritual significance as a public holiday on Pakistan’s national calendar.
11. Iqbal Day — November 9, 2026 (Monday)
- Iqbal Day honours Allama Muhammad Iqbal — the philosopher, poet, and visionary who shaped the intellectual foundation for the idea of Pakistan. Schools, colleges, and institutions observe the day with special programmes, poetry recitations, and seminars. Falling on a Monday in 2026, it offers a pleasant start-of-week break.
12. Quaid-e-Azam Day & Christmas — December 25, 2026 (Friday)
- December 25 is a holiday of dual significance in Pakistan. The nation remembers Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah — the founder of Pakistan — on his birthday, while Christian communities across the country celebrate Christmas. Falling on a Friday in 2026, this day leads into a festive and reflective long weekend. The following day, December 26 (Second Day of Christmas), is observed as an optional holiday for Christian employees.
Bank Holidays in Pakistan 2026
Bank holidays are days when banks are closed for public dealings. Some coincide with national holidays, while others are exclusive to the banking and financial sector. Here is the complete overview:
| Bank Holiday | Date | Day | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | Banks closed; plan transactions in advance |
| Kashmir Solidarity Day | February 5, 2026 | Thursday | All branches closed |
| Ramadan Banking Holiday | During Ramadan | Variable | Adjusted banking hours during fasting month |
| Eid ul-Fitr (3 days) | March 21–23, 2026* | Sat–Mon | Extended bank closure; plan payments early |
| Pakistan Day | March 23, 2026 | Monday | Overlaps with Eid ul-Fitr Day 3 |
| Labour Day | May 1, 2026 | Friday | All banks closed nationwide |
| Eid ul-Azha (3 days) | May 27–29, 2026* | Wed–Fri | Extended closure; complete banking needs beforehand |
| Youm-e-Takbeer | May 28, 2026 | Thursday | Falls within Eid ul-Azha window |
| Ashura (2 days) | June 24–25, 2026* | Wed–Thu | Banks closed; arrange transfers in advance |
| July 1 Bank Holiday | July 1, 2026 | Wednesday | Mid-year institutional banking closure |
| Independence Day | August 14, 2026 | Friday | All banks closed |
| Eid Milad un-Nabi | August 25, 2026* | Tuesday | Banks closed for public dealing |
| Iqbal Day | November 9, 2026 | Monday | All banks closed |
| Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas | December 25, 2026 | Friday | Banks closed; long weekend begins |
Optional & Minority Community Holidays 2026
Pakistan is home to diverse communities whose religious and cultural occasions are respected through optional holidays. These are not compulsory national holidays but are observed by specific communities. Government employees must make prior arrangements to take these days off.
- Holi — Observed by the Hindu community as a vibrant spring festival of colours and community celebration.
- Dulhandi — Observed the day after Holi with cultural and community celebrations.
- Nauroz — Marks the Persian New Year and is observed by several communities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Buddha Purnima — Observed by the Buddhist community, typically in May.
- Khordad Sal — Commemorates the birth of Zoroaster (Prophet Zarathustra) and is observed by Parsi communities in Pakistan.
- Second Day of Christmas (December 26) — Observed mainly for Christian employees, extending the festive period into the weekend.
- Chelum — Marks 40 days after Ashura and is observed with religious gatherings and processions.
Long Weekends in Pakistan 2026 — Your Planning Guide
For those who love to plan trips, family visits, or simply extended rest days, knowing which holidays fall next to weekends is invaluable. Here are the best long weekend opportunities in 2026:
| Long Weekend | Dates | Duration | Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kashmir Solidarity Day | Feb 5–8 (Thu–Sun) | 4 days | Perfect for a short domestic trip if paired with Fri leave |
| Eid ul-Fitr | Mar 21–23 (Sat–Mon) | 3 days | Ready-made long weekend for family daawats and travel |
| Labour Day | May 1–3 (Fri–Sun) | 3 days | Ideal early-summer break |
| Eid ul-Azha | May 27–Jun 1 (Wed–Sun) | 6 days | Rare extended break — best window for domestic travel |
| Ashura | Jun 24–28 (Wed–Sun) | 5 days | Midyear extended pause with Fri half-day |
| Independence Day | Aug 14–16 (Fri–Sun) | 3 days | Patriotic long weekend — popular for Murree/Nathiagali |
| Iqbal Day | Nov 7–9 (Sat–Mon) | 3 days | Autumn long weekend break |
| Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas | Dec 25–27 (Fri–Sun) | 3 days | Festive and reflective end-of-year break |
Regional & Provincial Holiday Considerations
While the federal government announces gazetted holidays for the whole country, there are some important regional variations to keep in mind:
- AJK Liberation Day — October 24: Azad Jammu & Kashmir observes its Liberation Day on October 24, commemorating the establishment of the AJK state in 1947. This is specific to the AJK region.
- Provincial Additions: Provincial governments may gazette additional local holidays based on regional cultural or political significance. Always check with your provincial government for any supplementary holidays.
- Friday as a Half-Working Day: Since 1996, Friday has been a half-working day across Pakistan. This means the effective working week ends by Friday noon, which enhances many public holidays that fall on Thursdays or Fridays.
- Sunday as Weekly Holiday: Sunday is the official weekly holiday in Pakistan. This makes Thursday and Friday public holidays particularly valuable for long weekend planning.
Practical Tips for Employees, Business Owners & Travellers
For Employees
- Mark all lunar-based holidays (Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Azha, Ashura, Milad un-Nabi) with a flexible approach — dates may shift by a day based on moon sighting.
- Submit leave applications early when planning to bridge a holiday with surrounding weekdays.
- If you belong to a minority community, request optional holidays from your department head well in advance.
- Use the Eid ul-Azha and Ashura windows for longer domestic travel, as these offer 5–6-day breaks.
For Business Owners & HR Teams
- Plan payroll processing and banking transactions before extended bank closure windows (especially Eid ul-Azha and Eid ul-Fitr).
- Notify clients and vendors of holiday schedules at least two weeks in advance.
- Prepare staff rosters and emergency coverage plans for critical operations during long holidays.
- Update public-facing communications (websites, email auto-replies) with holiday closure dates.
For Travellers & Families
- Book hotels and transport for the Eid ul-Azha and Independence Day weekends early — they fill up fast.
- Popular domestic destinations such as Murree, Hunza, Nathiagali, Swat, and Lahore see heavy traffic during long holidays.
- For Eid ul-Fitr travel, keep moon sighting uncertainty in mind and have a flexible itinerary.
- The Ashura and Eid ul-Azha window creates a rare 5–6-day mid-year break — ideal for a longer northern areas trip.
From the spiritual depth of Eid and Ashura to the patriotic pride of Independence Day and Pakistan Day, the Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026 offer a rich and meaningful year ahead. With smart planning, employees and families can make the most of the several long weekend opportunities scattered across the calendar — whether it is a family trip to Hunza, a festive Eid gathering, or a quiet rest day at home.
Bookmark this guide, share it with your colleagues and family, and plan your 2026 well in advance. And remember — for lunar-based holidays, always keep an eye on the official moon sighting announcement.
FAQs
How many public holidays are there in Pakistan in 2026?
Pakistan has at least 10 to 16 national and public holidays in 2026, depending on how Eid multi-day holidays and bank-specific holidays are counted. The number increases further when optional and bank-exclusive holidays are included.
What is the difference between a public holiday and a bank holiday in Pakistan?
A public holiday applies to all citizens — schools, government offices, and most businesses close. A bank holiday specifically applies to the banking sector. While most public holidays are also bank holidays, some bank holidays (like the July 1 Bank Holiday) are exclusive to the banking and financial sector and are not national holidays.
Are Eid holidays fixed dates in Pakistan?
No, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Azha, Ashura, and Eid Milad un-Nabi are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and are subject to moon sighting. The government officially announces these dates one or two days before based on the sighting of the crescent moon, so dates listed in advance are always tentative.
Is Christmas a public holiday in Pakistan?
Yes, December 25 is a gazetted public holiday in Pakistan. It carries dual significance — it marks the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and is also observed by Christian communities as Christmas Day.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
Generally, if a gazetted public holiday falls on a Sunday (the official weekly holiday), the following Monday may be observed as a compensatory holiday. However, this is subject to a formal government notification and is not automatically guaranteed.
Who has the authority to declare public holidays in Pakistan?
The federal government of Pakistan issues a list of gazetted public holidays for the year. Provincial governments may additionally declare holidays relevant to their region. The State Bank of Pakistan separately notifies bank holidays, some of which differ from the national gazetted list.
Can employees be asked to work on public holidays?
In some industries such as healthcare, hospitality, security, and essential services, employees may be required to work on public holidays. In such cases, they are typically entitled to compensatory pay or substitute leave days as per Pakistan’s labour law and employment contracts.
