Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026 – Islamic, National & Public Holidays
Pakistan observes a mix of national (state) holidays and religious holidays based on the Islamic lunar calendar. The government declares public holidays via official notifications. Unlike countries such as Public Holidays in Oman, Pakistan generally does not offer a substitute weekday when a holiday falls on Sunday.
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Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 5 | Thursday | Kashmir Solidarity Day | National observance |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid-ul-Fitr | Lunar-based (estimate; may shift by moon sighting) |
| March 22 | Sunday | Eid-ul-Fitr Holiday | Additional Eid day (estimate) |
| March 23 | Monday | Eid-ul-Fitr Holiday | Additional Eid day (estimate) |
| March 23 | Monday | Pakistan Day | Marks the Lahore Resolution (1940) |
| April 6 | Monday | Easter Monday | Observed by Christian community (estimate) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha | Lunar-based (estimate; may shift) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday | Additional Eid day (estimate; may be extended) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Youm-e-Takbeer | Commemorates 1998 nuclear tests |
| June 25 | Thursday | Ashura | 10th Muharram observance (estimate) |
| June 26 | Friday | Ashura | Additional Ashura day (estimate) |
| August 14 | Friday | Independence Day | National day |
| August 25 | Tuesday | Eid Milad-un-Nabi | Lunar-based (estimate; may shift) |
| November 9 | Monday | Iqbal Day | Birthday of Allama Iqbal |
| December 25 | Friday | Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas Day | Jinnah’s birthday & Christian holiday |
| December 26 | Saturday | Day after Christmas | Observed for Christian community (estimate) |
Public Holidays in Pakistan 2025
| Date | Weekday | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Bank/public holiday in some jurisdictions |
| February 5 | Wednesday | Kashmir Solidarity Day | National observance |
| March 23 | Sunday | Pakistan Day | Marks the Lahore Resolution (1940) |
| March 30 – April 1 | Sunday – Tuesday | Eid-ul-Fitr & Holidays | Multi-day, lunar-based |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 28 | Wednesday | Youm-e-Takbeer | Commemorates 1998 nuclear tests |
| June 7 – 9 | Saturday – Monday | Eid al-Adha & Holidays | Feast of Sacrifice |
| July 5 – 6 | Saturday – Sunday | Ashura | 10th Muharram observance |
| August 14 | Thursday | Independence Day | National day |
| September 5 | Friday | Eid Milad-un-Nabi | Birthday of Prophet Muhammad |
| November 9 | Sunday | Iqbal Day | Birthday of Allama Iqbal |
| December 25 | Thursday | Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas Day | Jinnah’s birthday & Christian holiday |
| December 26 | Friday | Day after Christmas | Observed for Christian community |
Notes & Observations
- Islamic holidays such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Ashura, and Eid Milad follow the lunar calendar and may shift by one day depending on moon sighting and official announcements. The listed 2026 dates are estimates until confirmed by Pakistan’s authorities.
- Pakistan does not usually provide a substitute holiday if a public holiday falls on a Sunday.
- Some holidays are optional or observed regionally, including Shab-e-Meraj, Baisakhi, and Holi.
- In 2025, an additional observance called Youm-e-Tashakur (16 May) was declared as a Day of Gratitude.
- Provincial governments may declare extra holidays for local or administrative reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Pakistan have in 2026?
Pakistan is expected to have around 12–16 public holidays in 2026. The final number depends on confirmed Eid and Ashura dates, as well as any additional holidays announced by the government.
Do Islamic holidays fall on the same Gregorian dates each year?
No, Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and shift approximately 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Is there a substitute holiday if a national holiday falls on Sunday?
Generally, no. Pakistan does not typically provide a substitute weekday when a holiday falls on Sunday.
Why can Pakistan’s Eid dates change at the last moment?
Eid dates are finalized based on official moon sighting. As a result, previously published dates may shift by one day, and the number of holiday days may also change based on government announcements.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Pakistan include both national events like Pakistan Day and Independence Day, as well as major Islamic celebrations. Unlike some countries, Pakistan does not usually offer substitute holidays when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, so observance can vary depending on the calendar year and official notifications.
