Punjab Releases Public Holidays Calendar
The Punjab government has announced the official public holidays calendar for 2026, providing clarity for government employees, private sector organizations, banks, and businesses. This notification covers federal, provincial, religious, and optional holidays, helping citizens plan their work schedules, family events, and travel. Special consideration has been given to religious minorities through community-specific holidays, reflecting the provincial government’s commitment to inclusivity, work-life balance, and orderly administration across Punjab.
Table of Contents
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| Holiday Type | Key Information |
|---|---|
| National Holidays | Kashmir Day, Pakistan Day, Independence Day |
| Religious Holidays | Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, Ashura |
| Islamic Events | Youm-e-Takbeer, Eid Milad-un-Nabi |
| Quaid & Iqbal Days | November 9, December 25 |
| Minority Holiday | Boxing Day (Christians only) |
| Bank Holidays | January 1, February 18, July 1 |
| Optional Leaves | 1 for Muslims, 3 for non-Muslims |
| Local Holidays | 2 per district (except Lahore) |
Punjab Public Holidays 2026 Notification Explained
The Punjab public holidays notification confirms that all federal holidays will be implemented in the province without modification, ensuring uniformity across Pakistan.
- All government offices will remain closed on official holidays.
- Educational institutions are expected to follow the same calendar unless otherwise notified.
- Private organizations may adjust holidays based on operational requirements.
- Separate announcements for local holidays in Lahore will be issued by the provincial government.
For official updates, visit the Punjab government website: https://punjab.gov.pk.
National and Religious Holidays in Punjab 2026
Punjab will observe all major national and religious holidays, giving importance to both state and religious events.
Key holidays include:
- Kashmir Day – February 5
- Pakistan Day – March 23
- Independence Day – August 14
- Youm-e-Takbeer – May 28
- Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) – August 25
- Allama Iqbal Day – November 9
- Quaid-e-Azam Day & Christmas – December 25
These holidays allow citizens to participate in official ceremonies and religious gatherings across the province.
Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, and Ashura Holidays 2026
Religious festivals are given multiple-day holidays to enable families to celebrate properly.
- Eid ul-Fitr: March 21–23
- Eid ul-Adha: May 27–29
- Ashura: June 24–25
Dates may slightly change depending on moon sightings, in line with tradition.
Bank Holidays and Optional Leaves Policy 2026
The government has confirmed bank holidays and optional leave policies to accommodate financial operations and religious diversity.
- Bank holidays:
- January 1 – New Year
- February 18 – Bank holiday
- July 1 – Start of fiscal year
- Optional leave policy:
- Muslims can take one optional holiday per year
- Non-Muslims can take three optional holidays
- Prior approval from department heads is required
These policies support inclusivity while maintaining administrative discipline.
Local and Minority Holidays in Punjab 2026
Special arrangements have been made for local and minority holidays to respect cultural and religious diversity.
- December 26 (Boxing Day) is a public holiday for Christian employees.
- District Commissioners can declare two local holidays per district.
- Lahore district holidays will be announced separately by the provincial government.
These measures ensure equal opportunities for all communities while maintaining smooth governance.
Helpline & Contact Information
For queries regarding public holidays, leave policies, or official notifications, citizens can use the following resources:
- Punjab Government Official Website: https://punjab.gov.pk
- Provincial Secretariat: Contact your local administrative office for clarifications.
- Email Support: info@punjab.gov.pk
- Telephone: Available via district offices
Always rely on official channels to avoid misinformation.
Conclusion
The Punjab public holidays calendar 2026 offers a balanced schedule covering national events, religious festivals, bank holidays, optional leaves, and minority rights. By aligning provincial holidays with federal announcements and introducing flexible options, the government ensures clarity and convenience for employees, businesses, and citizens throughout the year. This structured approach helps everyone plan personal, professional, and religious activities effectively.
FAQs
1. Will Punjab follow federal government holidays in 2026?
Yes, Punjab will observe all public holidays approved by the federal government.
2. How many optional holidays are allowed in Punjab?
Muslim employees can take one optional holiday, while non-Muslim employees can take three.
3. Are bank holidays different from public holidays?
Yes, bank holidays apply specifically to financial institutions and may not apply to all offices.
4. Who can announce local holidays in Punjab?
District Commissioners can declare two local holidays per district, except in Lahore where the provincial government has authority.