A tentative schedule of public holidays for 2026 has been revealed. The final list will be formally notified by the Cabinet Division closer to the start of the year, while several dates remain subject to moon sighting.
According to the proposed calendar, the first public holiday of the year will be observed on February 5 to mark Kashmir Day.
This will likely be followed by Eid-ul-Fitr, with three days of nationwide holidays expected from March 21 to March 23, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
In May, employees are set to observe Labour Day on May 1, followed by a public holiday on May 28 for Youm-e-Takbeer. Later in the same month, Eid-ul-Adha is expected to bring a three-day break starting May 27, subject to confirmation.
Public holidays during Muharram are tentatively scheduled for June 25 and 26, coinciding with Ashura. On the national front, Independence Day will be celebrated with a public holiday on August 14, while Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) is expected to be observed on August 26.
The proposed list also includes Iqbal Day on November 9, along with holidays for Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas in December. However, December 26 is expected to be a restricted holiday, applicable only to Christian employees.
Authorities have emphasized that Islamic holidays are provisional and will be confirmed through official moon sightings.
The complete and final public holiday notification for 2026 is expected to be issued by the federal government in the coming months.
