Pakistan Public Holidays 2026
Pakistan observes both fixed national holidays and variable Islamic holidays based on the lunar calendar. Government offices, banks, and many businesses close on these dates — plan your travel accordingly.
Note: Islamic holidays are determined by moon sighting and may shift by 1-2 days from the estimated dates listed below. The exact dates are officially announced by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Fixed National Holidays 2026
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 February | Kashmir Day | Solidarity with Kashmiris. Public holiday. |
| 23 March | Pakistan Day | Lahore Resolution (1940). Military parade in Islamabad. |
| 1 May | Labour Day | International Workers' Day. |
| 14 August | Independence Day | Pakistan's independence from British India (1947). Major celebrations, flag-raising ceremonies, fireworks. Very festive atmosphere. |
| 9 November | Iqbal Day | Birthday of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, national poet and philosopher. |
| 25 December | Quaid-e-Azam Day | Birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan. (Also Christmas — celebrated by Pakistan's Christian community.) |
Islamic Holidays 2026 (Estimated Dates)
| Estimated Date | Holiday | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~27 February | Shab-e-Meraj | 1 day | Night of Ascension. Night prayers and religious gatherings. |
| ~15 March | Shab-e-Barat | 1 day | Night of Fortune. Prayers and visiting graves. |
| ~30 March | Ramadan begins | ~30 days | Holy month of fasting. Restaurants closed during daylight hours (except for non-Muslims). Shorter working hours. |
| ~28-30 April | Eid ul-Fitr | 3 days | End of Ramadan. Major celebration. Everything closes for 3-5 days. Family gatherings, new clothes, sweet dishes. Very difficult to travel — transport fully booked. |
| ~6-8 July | Eid ul-Adha | 3 days | Festival of Sacrifice. Animal sacrifice, meat distribution. Everything closes for 3-5 days. Transport very busy. |
| ~27 July | 1st Muharram | 1 day | Islamic New Year. Processions (particularly in Shia communities). |
| ~5 August | 9th & 10th Muharram (Ashura) | 2 days | Mourning of Imam Hussain. Processions and gatherings. Heightened security. |
| ~6 October | 12 Rabi ul-Awal (Eid Milad-un-Nabi) | 1 day | Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Celebrations, illuminations, processions. |
All Islamic dates are approximate and subject to moon sighting. The Pakistani government usually confirms dates 1-2 days before.
Impact on Travel
During Ramadan (approx. March-April)
- Most restaurants closed during daylight hours (dawn to sunset). Hotels and tourist-area restaurants usually serve discreetly to non-Muslims.
- Working hours shortened (typically 9am-2pm government offices).
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours — it's illegal in some areas and considered very disrespectful.
- Evenings come alive after Iftar (sunset meal) — great night markets and food stalls.
During Eid ul-Fitr & Eid ul-Adha
- Everything closes for 3-5 days — banks, offices, many shops, some restaurants.
- Domestic transport is fully booked days in advance. Flights and buses are impossible to get last-minute.
- Hotels in tourist areas book up. Plan well ahead if visiting during Eid.
- Eid ul-Adha: animal sacrifice throughout the country. Streets can be messy in residential areas. Markets sell live animals beforehand.
- Positive: Eid celebrations are incredibly festive and welcoming. You'll likely be invited to join family meals.
Independence Day (14 August)
- Patriotic celebrations, flag-raising, fireworks. Cities decorated in green and white.
- Traffic jams in major cities. Festive atmosphere. Most shops open.
- A wonderful time to experience Pakistani national pride.
Related Guides
Key Dates
- 23 Mar: Pakistan Day
- ~28-30 Apr: Eid ul-Fitr
- ~6-8 Jul: Eid ul-Adha
- 14 Aug: Independence Day
- ~5 Aug: Ashura
- 25 Dec: Quaid-e-Azam Day