The Punjab government has formally announced public holidays on February 5, 6 and 7, issuing an official notification that grants the province to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day and Basant celebrations.According to the notification, all government institutions and offices across Punjab will remain closed for three days in connection with Youm-e-Kashmir and Basant. 

The federal government had already declared February 5 a nationwide public holiday to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day. With the addition of provincial holidays on February 6 and 7, residents of Punjab will now enjoy three consecutive public holidays, which will extend to four days with Sunday falling immediately after as a regular weekly holiday. 

The Punjab government’s notification stated that February 6 and 7, 2026, falling on Friday and Saturday, shall be observed as public holidays across the province in connection with Basant festivities. Separately, the federal government has declared February 5 a public holiday across Pakistan to express solidarity with the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir. 

According to the federal government notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the day will be observed nationwide, with a one-minute silence at 10 am in memory of Kashmiri martyrs. It is worth noting that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had also announced the Basant holiday on her official social media account on X three days ago, stating that the people of Punjab would enjoy a long weekend due to the alignment of public holidays with Saturday and Sunday.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)