The notification provides a comprehensive list of days of national importance and religious festivals for Muslims and minority communities. PHOTO: FILE
The Government of Pakistan has officially released the calendar of public and optional holidays for the calendar year 2026, according to a circular issued by the Cabinet Division on Monday.
The notification provides a comprehensive list of days of national importance and religious festivals for Muslims and minority communities. Major public holidays include Kashmir Day on February 5, Pakistan Day on March 23, and Independence Day on August 14.
The main Islamic holidays are scheduled as follows, although the government has noted that these dates depend on the appearance of the moon:
- Eidoul Fitr: March 21, 22 and 23.
- Eidoul Azha: May 27, 28 and 29.
- Ashura (9th and 10th Muharram): June 24 and 25.
- Eid Miladun Nabi: August 25.
The circular also identifies specific public holidays as January 1, July 1 and February 18 (the latter for Zakat deduction). Even if banks will remain closed to the public on these dates, they will remain open to employees.
Under the 2026 regulations, civil servants are limited in the amount of optional leave they can claim. Muslim employees are entitled to one optional leave per year, while non-Muslim employees can take up to three. These are granted at the discretion of the head of the organisation, ensuring that essential work continues without disruption.
Exporters and exporting manufacturers are exempt from these holidays, provided they compensate their staff by paying overtime in addition to the regular salary.
