A notification issued by the Cabinet Division states that Pakistan will observe 11 public holidays and 23 optional holidays in 2026.
Public Holidays in Pakistan 2026
| No. | Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| 2 | Kashmir Day | 5 February | Thursday |
| 3 | Bank Holiday | 18 February | Wednesday |
| 4 | Pakistan Day | 23 March | Monday |
| 5 | Eid-ul-Fitr | 21–23 March | Saturday–Monday |
| 6 | Labour Day | 1 May | Friday |
| 7 | Yom-e-Takbeer | 28 May | Thursday |
| 8 | Eid-ul-Adha | 27–29 May | Wednesday–Friday |
| 9 | Muharram (Ashura) | 24–25 June | Wednesday–Thursday |
| 10 | Bank Holiday | 1 July | Wednesday |
| 11 | Independence Day | 14 August | Friday |
| 12 | Eid Milad-un-Nabi | 25 August | Tuesday |
| 13 | Iqbal Day | 9 November | Monday |
| 14 | Quaid-e-Azam Day | 25 December | Friday |
| 15 | Christmas Day (Christian) | 26 December | Saturday |
In addition to these official holidays, the government has announced 23 optional holidays to allow people to observe religious and cultural events according to their beliefs. These can be availed with prior approval from the relevant departments.
Optional Holidays in Pakistan 2026
| No. | Occasion | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| 2 | Shab-e-Meraj | 17 January | Saturday |
| 3 | Basant Punchami | 23 January | Friday |
| 4 | Shab-e-Barat | 4 February | Wednesday |
| 5 | Shiv Ratri | 16 February | Monday |
| 6 | Dulhindi | 3 March | Tuesday |
| 7 | Holi | 4 March | Wednesday |
| 8 | Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| 9 | Easter / Day After Easter | 5–6 April | Sunday–Monday |
| 10 | Baisakhi | 14 April | Tuesday |
| 11 | Eid-e-Rizwan (Bahai) | 21 April | Tuesday |
| 12 | Buddha Purnima | 24 May | Sunday |
| 13 | Chehlum | 4 August | Tuesday |
| 14 | Nauroze (Parsi New Year) | 15 August | Saturday |
| 15 | Birthday of Lord Zoroaster | 20 August | Thursday |
| 16 | Krishna Janam Ashtami | 4 September | Friday |
| 17 | Giyarvee Shareef | 23 September | Wednesday |
| 18 | Durga Puja | 19 October | Monday |
| 19 | Dussehra | 20 October | Tuesday |
| 20 | Birthday of Guru Valmik Sawami Ji | 26 October | Monday |
| 21 | Diwali | 9 November | Monday |
| 22 | Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji | 24 November | Tuesday |
The government said the calendar will help citizens, businesses and institutions plan their work routines, travel and religious activities more smoothly throughout 2026.