Government of Pakistan has issued the official list of public holidays for 2026 which includes all public and national holidays, including optional and special holidays to keep citizens informed so they can plan their work, traveling and vacations accordingly.
This list includes federal holidays, provincial holidays, and major observances based on a typical Canadian year, with all applicable oddities between parentheses. Pakistan in year 2026 will see number of public holidays.In 2026 there are going to be around 17 public holidays, however some dates can change depending on the moon sighting.
Official Public Holidays in Pakistan – 2026
So here is the complete new list of Pakistan public holidays in 2026:
National & Public Holidays
- February 5 (Thursday): Kashmir Day
- March 23 (Monday): Pakistan Day
- May 1 (Friday): Labour Day
- May 28 (Thursday): Youm-e-Takbeer
- August 14 (Friday): Independence Day
- November 9 (Monday): Iqbal Day
- December 25 (Friday): Quaid-e-Azam Day & Christmas
Religious Holidays (Dates Subject to Moon Sighting)
- March 21–23 (Saturday–Monday): Eid-ul-Fitr*
- May 27–28: Eid-ul-Adha*
- June 25–26: Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram)*
- August 25 (Tuesday): Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ*
Special Holiday
- 26th December (Saturday):Post-Christmas Holiday (for Christians only)
Important Notes on Islamic Holidays
All holidays are based on Islamic lunar dates and not on moon sighting. * All Islamic holidays are subject to actual moon sightings. Pakistan’s Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to anounce final dates, so there’s some play.
Tips for Citizens:
- Before making travel plans, wait for official announcements.
- Check-in advance for holiday dates before applying.
Who Observes These Public Holidays?
The list of 2026 public holidays applies to these regions:
- Federal government offices
- Banks and financial institutions
- Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities)
- Most private-sector organizations
Provincial authorities may also announce some other local holidays.
Why Knowing the Holiday Schedule is Important
Knowing when public holidays are in advance minimizes these so:
- Use your annual leaves and vacations wisely
- Coordinate family outings and social functions.
- Manage business operations and staffing
- Include academic schedules for the students and parents
Weekends, especially around the Eid and national holidays, are best for short trips.
Will There Be Changes to the 2026 Schedule?
Now,the timetable maybe subject to changes because of:
- Moon sighting differences
- Government emergency decisions
- Province-specific notifications
Regular updates are usually announced closer to the date of the holiday.
Conclusion
The Pakistan public holidays 2026 calendar offers a well-rounded combination of national celebrations, religious commemorations, and days of rest. Most holidays are declared by a commission, with Islamic observances being determined only a day in advance based on whether or not the moon has been sighted.
For official announcements and reliable references, citizens should follow government statements and gates such as PTBA.