Pakistan observes a minimum of ten national public holidays each year, encompassing a blend of religious and secular events that are celebrated nationwide.
These national holidays provide a uniform day off for the public to commemorate significant cultural, historical, and religious observances across the country. In addition to these widely recognized national holidays, Pakistan also observes various bank holidays and optional holidays that may vary by region or specific sector.
Understanding National Holidays in Pakistan
While the reference indicates "at least ten national public holidays," the actual number of public holiday days observed annually can sometimes exceed this minimum. This is because certain religious holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are often officially declared for multiple consecutive days. The government, typically through the Ministry of Interior, announces the precise list of holidays each year, especially for those based on the lunar Islamic calendar, ensuring nationwide observance.
Below are some of the key national public holidays typically observed in Pakistan:
| Holiday Name | Date (Approximate/Variable) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Kashmir Day | February 5 | Expresses solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. |
| Pakistan Day | March 23 | Commemorates the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and the adoption of the first Constitution in 1956. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Celebrates workers' rights and acknowledges their contributions. |
| Eid al-Fitr | Varies (Islamic Calendar) | Marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan (often declared for 3 days). |
| Eid al-Adha | Varies (Islamic Calendar) | The Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son (often declared for 3-4 days). |
| Ashura | Varies (Islamic Calendar) | Commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (usually 2 days). |
| Independence Day | August 14 | Celebrates Pakistan's independence from British rule in 1947. |
| Eid Milad un Nabi | Varies (Islamic Calendar) | Observes the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). |
| Quaid-e-Azam Day | December 25 | Celebrates the birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. This day also coincides with Christmas. |
Additional Holiday Categories
Beyond the core national public holidays, Pakistan's holiday calendar may also include:
- Bank Holidays: These are specific days when commercial banks remain closed for public transactions, although internal banking operations may continue. They are generally not public holidays for other sectors.
- Optional Holidays: These holidays are usually tied to specific religious or cultural communities within Pakistan. Individuals belonging to these communities may choose to observe these days, often requiring prior approval from their employers. Examples include various regional festivals or religious observances that are not declared as nationwide public holidays.
The official list of declared holidays is typically issued annually, allowing for adjustments based on the lunar calendar for Islamic festivals.
