The Government of Pakistan has officially announced the public and optional holidays for 2026. The notification, issued by the Cabinet Secretariat (Cabinet Division), specifies national and religious holidays for the general public, banks, and minority groups.
Major Public Holidays
The official notification specifies the following major public holidays for 2026, with dates for Islamic festivals subject to the sighting of the moon.
- Kashmir Day: February 5 (Thursday)
- Pakistan Day: March 23 (Monday)
- Eid-ul-Fitr: March 21, 22, and 23 (Saturday–Monday)
- Labour Day: May 1 (Friday)
- Youm-e-Takbeer: May 28 (Thursday)
- Eid-ul-Azha: May 27, 28, and 29 (Wednesday–Friday)
- Ashura (9th & 10th Moharram): June 24 and 25 (Wednesday & Thursday)
- Independence Day: August 14 (Friday)
- Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12th Rabi-ul-Awwal): August 25 (Tuesday)
- Allama Iqbal Day: November 9 (Monday)
- Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas: December 25 (Friday)
- Day After Christmas: December 26 (Saturday) — For Christians only
Optional Holidays
In addition to public holidays, the government has also designated optional holidays for 2026, allowing employees to observe days according to their religious beliefs.
