A new year always arrives with fresh hopes, new dreams, and the promise of happiness. Everyone looks forward to new beginnings, but for the working class, there is one more kind of excitement that comes with the new year — the anticipation of public holidays.

Questions like Which festivals fall on which days? When is Independence Day? and how many long weekends will we get? are on everyone’s mind. Keeping that excitement alive, here’s a look at the public holidays to look forward to in 2026.

Public Holidays in Pakistan – 2026

• February 5 (Thursday) – Kashmir Solidarity Day
• March 21–23 (Saturday–Monday) – Eid ul Fitr Holidays
• March 23 (Monday) – Pakistan Day
• May 1 (Friday) – Labour Day
• May 27–29 (Wednesday–Friday) – Eid ul Azha Holidays
• June 25–26 (Thursday–Friday) – Ashura Holidays
• August 14 (Friday) – Independence Day
• August 25 (Tuesday) – Eid Milad-un-Nabi
• November 9 (Monday) – Allama Iqbal Day
• December 25 (Wednesday) – Quaid-e-Azam Day & Christmas Holiday

With several holidays falling close to weekends, 2026 brings plenty of opportunities for long breaks, family time, travel plans, and much-needed rest. Whether it’s celebrating national pride, religious festivals, or simply enjoying a well-earned day off, the upcoming year has much to look forward to.

Here’s to a hopeful new year filled with happiness, success, and perfectly timed holidays!

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)