Pakistan Public Holidays
Pakistan observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Pakistan observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Pakistan by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Pakistan.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Jan 16 | Friday | Shab e-Meraj |
| Jan 23 | Friday | Basant Panchami |
| Feb 3 | Tuesday | Shab e-Barat |
| Feb 5 | Thursday | Kashmir Day |
| Feb 15 | Sunday | Shivaratri |
| Feb 19 | Thursday | Ramadan Start |
| Mar 4 | Wednesday | Holi |
| Mar 5 | Thursday | Dulhandi |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid-ul-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid-ul-Fitr Holiday |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid-ul-Fitr Holiday |
| Mar 23 | Monday | Pakistan Day |
| Mar 26 | Thursday | Birthday of Lord Zoroaster (Khordad Sal) |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Pakistan
Pakistan observes a variety of public holidays that reflect its diverse cultural, religious, and national heritage. These holidays are a mix of Islamic festivals, national observances, and some international days.
You can find definitions for all holiday types on our public holidays explained page. For a complete list of dates for 2026, please visit our Pakistan holidays 2026 page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Pakistan will observe several significant public holidays. These include national celebrations, religious observances, and international days.
Other notable holidays in 2026 include Shab e-Meraj, Kashmir Day, Pakistan Day, Independence Day, and Eid Milad un-Nabi. For a comprehensive overview, check the full list on the Pakistan holidays 2026 page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Eid-ul-Fitr — 20 March 2026. A major Islamic festival celebrating the end of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha — 27 May 2026. The Festival of Sacrifice, another significant Islamic holiday.
- Independence Day — 14 August 2026. Commemorates Pakistan's independence in 1947.
- Eid Milad un-Nabi — 25 August 2026. Celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026. A public holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Planning around holidays
Pakistan's holiday calendar is influenced by both the Gregorian and Islamic lunar calendars, meaning the dates for many religious holidays shift annually. National holidays, however, remain fixed. This variation requires careful planning for travel, business, and events.
- Religious Observances: Many holidays are tied to the Islamic lunar calendar, so their dates change each year. Check the specific year's calendar for accuracy.
- National Days: Fixed-date holidays like Independence Day and Pakistan Day are celebrated annually on the same date.
- Seasonal Patterns: Major holiday periods, especially around Eid festivals, often see increased travel and potential closures of businesses and government offices.
- Extended Celebrations: Some holidays, like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, may have multiple days designated as holidays, creating longer breaks.
- Regional Variations: While this guide focuses on national holidays, some regions or communities may observe additional local or cultural festivals.
Plan Your Year Around PK Holidays
View Pakistan holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.