The tentative schedule of government holidays for 2026 has been revealed, giving citizens an idea of when they can plan vacations or family time.
People often wonder when the first public holiday of the new year will fall because Islamic dates depend on moon sightings, holidays can change, sometimes causing confusion among the public.
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According to the tentative list, the first public holiday in 2026 will be Kashmir Day on Thursday, February 5.
Following this, Eid-ul-Fitr holidays are expected from March 21 to 23, which may change slightly depending on the moon sighting.
Other nationwide holidays include Labour Day on Friday, May 1 and Youm-e-Takbeer on Thursday, May 28.
READ: Two public holidays announced
Eid-ul-Adha holidays are likely to span three days starting May 27, while Ashura holidays for the 9th and 10th of Muharram are expected on June 25 and 26, based on the moon sighting.
The Independence Day holiday will be observed on Friday, August 14, followed by Eid Milad-un-Nabi on August 26 (which may change slightly) and Iqbal Day on Monday, November 9.
The holiday for Quaid-e-Azam Day will be on Friday, December 25, while Christmas on Saturday, December 26, will be reserved for Christian employees only.
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| S.No | Name of Occasions | Days | Dates During Year 2026 |
| 1 | Kashmir Day | Thursday | 5th February, 2026 |
| 2 | Pakistan Day | Monday | 23rd March, 2026 |
| 3 | Eid-ul-Fitr (1st Shawal 1447 A.H.) | Saturday, Sunday & Monday | 21st, 22nd & 23rd March, 2026 |
| 4 | Labour Day | Friday | 1st May, 2026 |
| 5 | Youm-e-Takbeer | Thursday | 28th May, 2026 |
| 6 | Eid-ul-Azha (10th Zil Haj 1447 A.H.) | Wednesday, Thursday & Friday | 27th, 28th & 29th May, 2026 |
| 7 | Ashura (9th & 10th Moharram 1448 A.H.) | Thursday & Friday | 25th & 26th June, 2026 |
| 8 | Independence Day | Friday | 14th August, 2026 |
| 9 | Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12th Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 A.H) | Wednesday | 26th August, 2026 |
| 10 | Allama Iqbal Day | Monday | 9th November, 2026 |
| 11 | Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas | Friday | 25th December, 2026 |
| 12 | Day after Christmas (For Christians only) | Saturday | 26th December, 2026 |
