The notification outlines a comprehensive list of days of national significance and religious festivals for Muslims and minority communities. PHOTO: FILE
The government of Pakistan has officially released the schedule of public and optional holidays for the calendar year 2026, according to a circular issued by the Cabinet Department on Monday.
The notification outlines a comprehensive list of days of national significance and religious festivals for Muslims and minority communities. Important public holidays include Kashmir Day on 5 February, Pakistan Day on 23 March and Independence Day on 14 August
Major Islamic festivals are scheduled as follows, although the government noted that these dates are subject to the appearance of the moon:
- Eid al-Fitr: 21, 22 and 23 March.
- Eid al-Adha: 27, 28 and 29 May.
- Ashura (9th and 10th Muharram): 24 and 25 June.
- Eid Miladun Nabi: 25 August.
The circular also identifies specific holidays on January 1, July 1 and February 18 (the latter for Zakat deduction). While banks will remain closed to the public on these dates, they will remain open to employees.
Under the 2026 rules, government employees are limited in the amount of optional leave they can claim. Muslim employees are entitled to one optional holiday per year, while non-Muslim employees can take up to three. These are allocated at the discretion of the head of the organisation, ensuring that essential work continues without disruption.
Exporters and export manufacturers are exempted from these holidays provided they compensate their staff with overtime pay in addition to regular wages.
