ISLAMABAD: The federal Cabinet Division has officially issued the schedule of public holidays to be observed across Pakistan in 2026, outlining national, religious, and bank holidays for the year.

According to the notification, the first major public holiday will be observed on February 5 to mark Kashmir Day. Pakistan Day, commemorating the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940, will be celebrated on March 23, while Independence Day will be observed nationwide on August 14.

The schedule also lists bank holidays on January 1, July 1, and February 18. February 18 has been designated as the annual Zakat deduction day. On these occasions, banks will remain closed for public transactions; however, staff will continue performing official duties.

Religious holidays for Muslims include Eid al-Fitr from March 21 to 23, Eid al-Adha from May 27 to 29, Ashura on June 24 and 25, and Eid al-Milad on August 25. Holidays for minority communities are also included in the notification.

Additionally, the government has set limits on optional holidays. Muslim employees may avail one optional holiday per year, while non-Muslim employees may take up to three, subject to approval by the Head of the Organisation to ensure uninterrupted essential services.