Plan your year and mark your calendars immediately! The Federal Government has officially released the complete list of public and optional holidays for 2026. This is your essential guide to know all the long weekends, religious festivals, and national days off for the entire year. Find out the very first holiday and how to maximize your leave.
The Cabinet Division issued the official notification for the 2026 v, detailing dates for national events like Pakistan Day and religious festivals including Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. The policy also clearly defines optional holidays for different communities, helping employees plan their vacations efficiently.
Complete List of National Public Holidays for 2026
Here is the official schedule of compulsory public holidays for everyone in Pakistan:
| Holiday Name | Date (2026) | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Kashmir Day | February 5 | Thursday |
| Pakistan Day | March 23 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Friday |
| Independence Day | August 14 | Friday |
| Iqbal Day | November 9 | Monday |
| Quaid-e-Azam Day | December 25 | Friday |
What is the First Public Holiday of 2026?
The first official public holiday of the 2026 calendar year for all of Pakistan is Kashmir Day. It will be observed on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
This is a national holiday dedicated to showing solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Major Religious Holidays for 2026
The dates for Islamic holidays are subject to moon sighting. The expected schedule is:
| Religious Holiday | Expected Dates (2026) | Days | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eid-ul-Fitr | March 21 – 23 | Sat – Mon | 3 Days |
| Eid-ul-Azha | May 27 – 29 | Wed – Fri | 3 Days |
| Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram) | June 24 & 25 | Wed & Thu | 2 Days |
| Eid Milad-un-Nabi | August 25 | Tuesday | 1 Day |
What are the Optional First Public Holiday Rules for 2026?
The notification provides clear rules for optional holidays, which are granted at the discretion of your department head.
Key Rules for Optional Holidays:
- For Muslim Employees: Can avail a maximum of 1 optional holiday in the year.
- For Non-Muslim Employees: Can avail up to 3 optional holidays in the year.
- Denominational Basis: Holidays are for specific religious events of your community.
- Management Approval: Subject to approval by your organization’s head without disrupting work.
List of Popular Optional Holidays:
- For Non-Muslims: Holi, Diwali, Easter, Christmas (Dec 26), Baisakhi, Dussehra.
- For Muslims: Shab-e-Meraj, Shab-e-Barat, Chehlum.
Special Bank Holiday Schedule for 2026
Banks will have additional closures for public dealings (employees may still work). Mark these dates:
| Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| February 18 | Wednesday | Zakat Deduction Day* |
| July 1 | Wednesday | Half-Yearly Bank Closing |
*Subject to moon sighting.
How to Check the Official First Public Holiday Notification?
You can verify this information through the official source.
Here is how to check the official notification:
- Visit the official website of the Cabinet Division, Government of Pakistan.
- Look for the “Notifications” or “Circulars” section.
- Search for the notification titled “Public and Optional Holidays for the Year 2026”.
- Download the PDF to keep an official record for your office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is January 1, 2026, a public holiday in Pakistan?
A: January 1 is not a nationwide public holiday. However, banks will remain closed for public dealings on this day.
Q2: How many holidays are there for Eid ul Fitr in 2026?
A: As per the tentative schedule, Eid ul Fitr is expected to have 3 holidays from Saturday, March 21 to Monday, March 23, 2026.
Q3: Can a Muslim employee take a holiday on Diwali?
A: Optional holidays are denominational. Diwali is an optional holiday for non-Muslim employees. Muslim employees typically cannot avail it unless it falls under their 1 allowed optional leave, subject to office policy.
Q4: Where can I get the official PDF of the 2026 holiday list?
A: The official notification is issued by the Cabinet Division. It is circulated to all government departments and is often published on their official website: https://cabinet.gov.pk/.
Q5: Is Christmas a holiday for everyone in Pakistan?
A: December 25 (Christmas Day) is a public holiday for all. December 26 is an optional holiday specifically for Christian employees.
Conclusion
With the official 2026 First Public Holiday calendar now released, you can effectively plan your work schedule, vacations, and family events around the long weekends. Remember the first holiday is Kashmir Day on February 5. Understand your entitlement to optional holidays based on your religion and always confirm with your organization’s HR department for final approval. Stay updated with moon sighting announcements for exact Islamic dates.