Punjab releases public holidays calendar 2026

LAHORE (Web Desk) –  The Punjab government has officially released the list of public holidays for the year 2026 through a formal notification. It confirmed that all public holidays announced by the federal government will also be observed across the province.

According to the notification, major national days including Kashmir Day on February 5 and Pakistan Day on March 23 will be marked throughout Punjab. Religious holidays have also been finalized, with Eid ul-Fitr holidays scheduled from March 21 to March 23, while Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28 will be observed as a public holiday.

Eid ul-Adha holidays will fall from May 27 to May 29. Ashura will be observed on June 24 and 25, followed by Independence Day on August 14. Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) will be marked on August 25, while Allama Iqbal Day will be observed on November 9.

Lahore Likely to Get Four-Day Holiday Ahead of Basant

Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas will both be observed on December 25. Additionally, December 26 has been declared a public holiday exclusively for Christian employees in observance of Boxing Day. Bank holidays have also been scheduled for January 1, February 18, and July 1.

A new feature of the 2026 schedule is the introduction of optional holidays. Muslim employees will be entitled to one optional leave per year, while non-Muslim employees may avail up to three. These optional holidays will require prior approval from the relevant department heads.

The notification further authorizes District Commissioners to declare up to two local holidays per district, except in Lahore, where such decisions will be made by the provincial government.