Plan your long weekends now. The Punjab Government has officially released the 2026 holiday calendar, featuring a historic “Super Break” in February with up to 5 consecutive days off in Lahore. From Shab-e-Barat and Kashmir Day to the revival of Basant, knowing these dates is crucial for booking travel, planning leaves, and avoiding confusion at work or school.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a blend of religious, national, and cultural holidays. This guide provides the full verified list, clarifies which holidays are nationwide and which are for Lahore only, and tells you exactly how to access the official notification to plan your year.
February 2026 “Super Break” – Official Schedule
| Date | Day | Occasion | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Feb 2026 | Wednesday | Shab-e-Barat | Public Holiday in Punjab only |
| 5 Feb 2026 | Thursday | Kashmir Solidarity Day | National Public Holiday (All Pakistan) |
| 6 Feb 2026 | Friday | Basant Festival | Local Holiday (Lahore only) |
| 7 Feb 2026 | Saturday | Weekly Holiday | All Pakistan |
| 8 Feb 2026 | Sunday | Weekly Holiday | All Pakistan |
What Does This February Break Mean for You?
- For Lahore Residents: 5-day holiday from 4th to 8th February 2026. All offices and schools closed.
- For Rest of Punjab: 4-day weekend from 5th to 8th February 2026.
- For Other Provinces: Only 5th February (Kashmir Day) is a public holiday.
How to Check the Official Holiday Notification?
Always verify with official sources to avoid fake news:
- Visit Punjab Government Portal: Go to the Services & General Administration Department (S&GAD) Punjab website.
- Search for Circular: Look for the notification titled “Public Holidays Calendar for the Year 2026”.
- Confirm with Your Institution: Your office’s Admin/HR or school’s management will receive the official circular.
- Download Official PDF: The S&GAD usually releases a downloadable PDF of the calendar.
👉 Official Source for Punjab: Punjab Government Portal
What is the Full List of Public Holidays for 2026?
Here are the key gazetted public holidays for 2026 (Subject to moon sightings*):
| Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| 23 March | Monday | Pakistan Day |
| 21-23 March* | Sat-Mon | Eid-ul-Fitr |
| 1 May | Friday | Labour Day |
| 28 May | Thursday | Youm-e-Takbeer |
| 27-29 May* | Wed-Fri | Eid-ul-Azha |
| 24-25 June* | Wed-Thu | Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram) |
| 14 August | Friday | Independence Day |
| 25 August* | Tuesday | Eid Milad-un-Nabi |
| 25 December | Friday | Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas |
What are the Optional Holidays in 2026?
Government employees may avail these with prior permission (private sector may vary):
- 1 January: New Year’s Day
- 23 January: Basant Panchami
- 4 March: Holi
- 3 April: Good Friday
- 14 April: Baisakhi
- 9 November: Diwali
Which Institutions Will Be Closed on These Holidays?
On public holidays in Pakistan, the following close nationwide:
- All Federal and Provincial Government Offices.
- All Public and Private Educational Institutions.
- All Banks and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).
Note: Essential services (hospitals, rescue, police) remain operational.
Read More! Upcoming Bank Holidays in Pakistan
Special Instructions for Lahore’s Basant Holiday
- Date: 6th February 2026 (Friday).
- Status: Official local holiday for Lahore only.
- Festival Duration: Kite flying permitted from 6th to 8th February 2026 in designated areas.
- Banks & Offices: May remain open outside Lahore. Confirm with your local branch/office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Is 25th February 2026 a holidays in Pakistan?
- A: No. 25th February 2026 is a regular working day.
- Q: Can I download the official holiday calendar PDF?
- A: Yes. The official PDF is uploaded on the Punjab S&GAD website once notified.
- Q: Are private schools closed on Basant (6th Feb)?
- A: In Lahore, yes. Private schools in Lahore will observe the local holidays in Pakistan.
- Q: Will banks be closed for Shab-e-Barat on 4th Feb?
- A: In Punjab, yes. Banks in Punjab province will remain closed. In other provinces, banks will be open.
- Q: Is the summer vacation extended due to these holidays?
- A: No. There is no link between the February holidays and summer vacation schedules.
Conclusion
The 2026 holidays in Pakistan calendar, especially the unique February cluster, offers excellent opportunities for planning trips and family time. Lahore residents get a special 5-day break. Always cross-check the final dates for moon-based holidays like Eid with official Ruet-e-Hilal announcements. Use this guide to mark your calendars and plan a productive and restful year ahead.
Disclaimer: *This list is based on the officially notified Punjab Government calendar for 2026. Dates for moon-sighting dependent holidays (*) are tentative and subject to change. The Federal Government and other provinces may have minor variations. Always refer to the official S&GAD notification for final authority.
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.
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