Public holidays in Pakistan 2026
Pakistan observes a combination of national holidays and Islamic religious holidays. National holidays are fixed on the Gregorian calendar, while Islamic holidays are determined by the lunar Hijri calendar and shift approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each year. The Cabinet Division issues the official gazetted holiday list annually, which is binding on federal government offices. Provincial governments may add additional provincial holidays.
National public holidays in Pakistan
The fixed national holidays are: February 5 (Kashmir Day), March 23 (Pakistan Day — remembrance of the Lahore Resolution 1940), May 1 (Labour Day / International Workers Day), August 14 (Independence Day — celebrated with national events and military parade in Islamabad), September 6 (Defence Day — commemorating the 1965 war with India), September 11 (Death Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam), November 9 (Birthday of Allama Iqbal), and December 25 (Birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah — also Christmas Day).
Islamic holidays in Pakistan
Islamic holidays vary by year: Eid-ul-Fitr (3 days after Ramadan), Eid-ul-Adha (3 days in Dhul Hijjah), Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12 Rabi al-Awwal), Ashura (9-10 Muharram), and Islamic New Year (1 Muharram). The exact dates are announced by the government after moon sighting or the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee decision. Banks and government offices issue advance notices of holiday arrangements around these dates.
Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) trading holidays
PSX trading is suspended on all public holidays and may also be suspended on additional days announced by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). PSX publishes its annual trading calendar at the start of each year. Banks and financial institutions follow the State Bank of Pakistan holiday calendar which aligns with gazetted holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do provincial governments have additional holidays? Yes. Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan may declare additional local holidays for provincial events and founding anniversaries. KPK and FATA/FANA areas may have additional holidays related to local customs and events.
Are private sector employees entitled to public holidays? Yes. The Shops and Establishments Ordinance and Employment of Children Act provide for public holidays. However, some industries (hospitals, essential services) may operate on holidays with compensatory offs or additional pay.
Age Calculator · Ramadan Calendar · Islamic Date Converter · Salary Calculator