The second month of 2026 isn’t just about the chilly mornings anymore; it’s packed with a mix of national solidarity and administrative breaks. For those planning their finances, the big dates to watch are February 5th and February 18th. While one is a national holiday, the other is a specific bank-only closure that happens every year for Zakat deductions.
Table of Contents
The National Holiday: Kashmir Solidarity Day
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, all banks across Pakistan—from Karachi to Khyber—will remain closed. This is a public holiday observed nationwide to show support for the people of Kashmir. Since it falls on a Thursday, many people are looking at it as a gateway to a long weekend, especially in Punjab where local festivities like Basant might result in additional local holidays.
Read More: BISP Hunarmand Program
The Zakat Deduction Holiday
The second major closure is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This isn’t a public holiday for the general workforce, but it is a “Bank Holiday” in the literal sense. On this day, banks are closed to the public so they can perform the annual Zakat deduction from savings accounts.
Summary of February 2026 Bank Holidays in Pakistan
| Date | Day | Occasion | Type of Holiday |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Thursday | Kashmir Solidarity Day | National Public Holiday |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Wednesday | Bank Holiday (Zakat) | Bank Only (Staff works) |
Special Regional Note: Punjab’s Long Weekend
If you are in Punjab, things are a bit more interesting this year. The provincial government has hinted at a four-day break for some sectors. While the State Bank usually follows the federal schedule, local branches often see reduced activity or localized closures during the Basant festival period following Kashmir Day.
| Region | Holiday Extension | Potential Dates |
| National | Standard | Feb 5 |
| Punjab | Basant Festivities | Feb 6 – Feb 7 |
| All Regions | Weekend | Feb 8 (Sunday) |
Read More: Ramzan Negahban Card Online Registration
Pro-Tips for Banking in February
- ATM Cash: ATMs often run dry or face technical glitches during long breaks. Try to withdraw what you need by Wednesday evening, February 4th.
- Mobile Apps: Thankfully, Raast and mobile banking apps work 24/7. Even if the branch is closed, you can still move your money.
- Corporate Deadlines: If you have a loan installment or a credit card bill due on the 5th, try to pay it on the 4th to avoid any “system” delays.
Banks are an essential part of our daily hustle, and a little planning goes a long way. Stay ahead of the schedule so your payments don’t get stuck!
Read More: Laptop Scheme Opens for Private University
FAQs
Will ATMs work on February 5th?
Yes, ATMs generally remain functional, though they are not restocked on holidays. It is better to withdraw cash a day early.
Is February 18th a holiday for schools?
No, February 18th is only a “Bank Holiday” for Zakat processing. Schools, offices, and shops will remain open as usual.
Are banks open on Saturdays in February 2026?
Most bank branches in Pakistan stay closed on Saturdays, but “designated” branches in major cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi might remain open for limited hours.
Can I use Raast during these holidays?
Absolutely. The Raast instant payment system and other digital banking services remain active throughout the holidays.
This article is for informational purposes only. SmartFixers.pk is not an official government website and is not affiliated with any government department. Readers are advised to verify all information from official government sources before taking any action.
Our editorial team publishes original and informational content for educational purposes only.
Related Posts
