Upcoming Bank Holidays
Planning your month ahead? Pakistan has several official and bank holidays this February 2026 that can affect banking hours, business activities, and daily life. Knowing these dates helps you avoid surprises, manage transactions, and enjoy public and cultural observances. In this guide, we have the most accurate and updated schedule from official sources and top 10 Google listings, including the State Bank of Pakistan notices and national holiday calendars.
Table of Contents
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| Date | Holiday Name |
|---|---|
| Feb 5, 2026 | Kashmir Solidarity Day (bank and public holiday) |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Ramadan Bank Holiday (tentative) |
| Feb 4, 2026 | Shab‑e‑Barat (optional observance) |
| Feb 16, 2026 | Shivaratri (optional observance) |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Ramadan start (religious observance) |
| Feb ? | Basant (regional/Punjab festive holiday) |
| Feb ? | Regional holidays (province‑specific) |
| Feb ? | Weekend rest days (Sat & Sun) |
What Are Bank Holidays in Pakistan
This section explains what bank holidays are and why they matter.
Bank holidays are days when the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) directs commercial banks and financial institutions to close. These closures may happen for national and religious reasons or for institutional purposes like account closing and audits.
Bank holidays differ from public holidays. On public holidays, government offices and most businesses close. On bank holidays, banks close but other services may run normally.
Key February 2026 Bank Holidays
Here are the major bank closures you should plan for:
- Kashmir Solidarity Day – Feb 5, 2026:
A nationwide public and bank holiday. All banks and financial institutions will remain closed on this day as declared by the SBP following government notification. - Ramadan Bank Holiday – Feb 18, 2026 (tentative):
Based on the Islamic calendar and moon sighting, this bank holiday is observed at the start of Ramadan.
These dates are from official lists and widely reported sources. Verify with your local bank closer to the day for exact closures.
Optional and Regional Observances
Pakistan also observes some optional holidays that may affect public offices or schools:
- Shab‑e‑Barat – Feb 4, 2026:
A religious night observed by many across the country that may lead to school closures or shortened services in some areas, though it is not an official bank closure like Feb 5. - Shivaratri – Feb 16, 2026:
A cultural festival observed by some communities with optional holiday status.
Local governments may also announce regional holidays for festivals like Basant in Punjab. Check provincial notifications for those dates.
Why You Should Track Bank Holidays
Understanding the holiday schedule helps you:
- Plan cash withdrawals and deposits before closures.
- Settle business payments ahead of time.
- Avoid delays in cheque clearing or loan processing.
- Manage bill payments and remittances.
- Use online banking when branches are closed.
It is always best to confirm with your bank or the SBP official notices for any late changes.
How to Confirm Official Bank Holiday Updates
- Visit the State Bank of Pakistan official website for circulars and notices.
- Follow updates by major banks through SMS or email alerts.
- Check widely recognized holiday calendars on government and travel sites.
- Contact your local branch directly before planned visits.
Only official SBP or government notifications should be relied on for guaranteed holiday information.
Helpline & Contact Information
If you need help confirming bank holidays, closures, or schedules, use these official contacts:
- State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Website: https://www.sbp.org.pk
- SBP Contact Center: +92‑21‑111‑727‑273
- Federal Government Cabinet Division: Visit the official portal for public holiday notifications.
These contacts can help confirm dates and resolve uncertainty about whether a bank branch will operate on a specific day.
Conclusion
February 2026 has important bank holidays that every resident and business in Pakistan should know. Feb 5 is a confirmed national and bank closure for Kashmir Solidarity Day, and Feb 18 is expected to be a Ramadan bank holiday based on traditional observance calendars. Optional observances like Shab‑e‑Barat and Shivaratri might affect public institutions or local services. Always check official State Bank of Pakistan updates and provincial announcements to avoid confusion and plan your financial transactions accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main bank holiday in Pakistan in February 2026?
The official bank holiday is Feb 5, 2026 for Kashmir Solidarity Day, when all commercial banks close nationwide.
Will banks be closed for Ramadan in February 2026?
Yes, Feb 18, 2026 is anticipated as a Ramadan bank holiday, but this depends on moon sighting and official confirmation.
Does Shab‑e‑Barat close banks?
No, Shab‑e‑Barat (Feb 4) is an optional observance and not an official bank closure under SBP notification.
How can I check if a bank is open on a holiday?
Check official SBP notices on their website or contact your bank directly before visiting for services.