The federal government has approved the early release of salaries, allowances, and pensions for May 2026 to provide relief to Muslim government employees and pensioners ahead of Eid ul-Azha.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, payments for May will now be made on May 22, 2026, instead of the usual date. The decision was taken as Eid ul-Azha is likely to be observed on May 27 or May 28, depending on the moon sighting.
The ministry instructed the Controller General of Accounts to ensure advance payments to federal employees and pensioners under Rule 25(3) of the Federal Government Receipts and Payments Rules, 2025.
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The notification, issued by Deputy Secretary Muhammad Anwar, was also sent to the Accountant General, Pakistan Revenues, the Military Accountant General, the Chief Accounts Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other concerned departments.
The government often announces early salary and pension payments before major religious occasions to help employees meet Eid-related expenses such as travel, shopping, buying sacrificial animals, and household needs.
The decision comes as rising inflation and increasing living costs continue to affect households across Pakistan, with many families expected to spend more during the Eid holidays.