The official holiday notice is out. The Cabinet Division has issued the formal notification declaring Wednesday, 5th February 2026, a nationwide Kashmir Day holiday for Kashmir Solidarity Day. This means all federal and provincial government offices, banks, and schools will remain closed. Ignoring this notification could disrupt your plans for banking, travel, or official work on that day.
This annual Kashmir Day holiday is a solemn observance of Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people. The government has also mandated a one-minute silence at 10:00 AM across the country. Here is the complete breakdown of what will close, what will remain open, and how you can verify the official circular for your institution.
Kashmir Day 2026: Official Notification Summary
| Issuing Authority | Holiday Declaration | Key Instruction |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Division (Federal) | Public Holiday across Pakistan on 5 Feb 2026. | One-minute silence at 10:00 AM. |
| Sindh Government (Provincial) | Public Holiday in Sindh on 5 Feb 2026. | Observe silence at 10:00 AM. |
| Other Provinces | Will follow the federal holiday notification. | Same instructions apply. |
Which Institutions Will Remain Closed on 5th February 2026?
As per the Cabinet Division notification, the following will be closed nationwide:
- All Federal and Provincial Government Offices (Ministries, Departments, Directorates).
- All Public and Private Sector Banks (Subject to State Bank of Pakistan directive).
- All Educational Institutions (Schools, Colleges, Universities – Public & Private).
- All Semi-Government and Autonomous Bodies.
- Local Councils and Corporations.
Note: Private businesses and offices have the discretion to decide but generally follow the public holiday.
How to Check the Official Notification Online?
To avoid misinformation, verify the Kashmir Day holiday through official channels:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Cabinet Division’s official website.
- Find the Notification: Look in the “Notifications” or “Circulars” section for 2026.
- Search by Title: Search for the circular titled “Holiday on 5th February, 2026 on account of Kashmir Day”.
- Confirm with Your Department: Your office’s Administration/HR Department will circulate the official notice internally.
- Check Sindh Government Site: For Sindh-specific orders, check the Sindh Services & General Administration Department website.
👉 Official Source for Federal Notification: Cabinet Division, Pakistan
What Services Will Remain Operational?
Essential services will NOT be closed. These include:
- Hospitals, Clinics, and Medical Services
- Emergency Services (Rescue 1122, Fire Brigade, Ambulances)
- Law Enforcement & Security Agencies (Police, Rangers)
- Utility Services (Power, Water, Gas control rooms)
- Public Transport (May operate with adjusted schedules)
- Media Houses & Broadcast Services
What is the Significance of the One-Minute Silence?
The government has instructed the nation to observe a one-minute silence at 10:00 AM sharp.
- Purpose: To pay tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir.
- Observance: Citizens are requested to pause their activities wherever they are.
- Broadcast: Television and radio channels will broadcast the silence observation live.
What is the Historical Context of Kashmir Solidarity Day?
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Observed | 1990 |
| Annual Date | 5th February |
| Primary Objective | To express political, moral, and diplomatic support for the right to self-determination of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). |
| Symbolic Activities | Human chains, rallies, seminars, and special parliamentary sessions. |
How Will This Holiday Affect Daily Life?
- Banking: All banking transactions requiring branch visits (cheque clearing, drafts) will halt. ATMs and online banking will remain operational.
- Government Work: All public dealing offices (e.g., Passport, NADRA, Excise) will be closed.
- Education: All educational institutes will have a holiday.
- Transport: While operational, routes may be diverted near city centers where rallies or human chains are formed.
Read More! Upcoming Bank Holidays in Pakistan
Province-Wise Kashmir Day holiday Confirmation
While it is a national holiday, provincial governments also issue confirmations.
| Province | Holiday Status on 5 Feb 2026 | Issuing Department |
|---|---|---|
| Federal / Islamabad | Public Holiday | Cabinet Division |
| Punjab | Public Holiday | Will follow federal notification |
| Sindh | Public Holiday | Services, Gen. Admin. & Coordination Dept. |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Public Holiday | Will follow federal notification |
| Balochistan | Public Holiday | Will follow federal notification |
| Azad Jammu & Kashmir | Public Holiday | Local government notification |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Are private schools also closed?
- A: Yes, private educational institutions almost universally observe this national holiday.
- Q: Will the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) be closed?
- A: Yes, the stock exchange will remain closed on 5th February 2026.
- Q: Is it a paid holiday for private company employees?
- A: If the company declares it a holiday, it is typically a paid holiday as per most employment contracts.
- Q: Where are the major rallies or human chains held?
- A: Traditionally, a major human chain is formed on the Kohala Bridge connecting Punjab to Azad Kashmir. Rallies are held in all major city centers.
- Q: What if my private company remains open?
- A: You are expected to work. You may be entitled to overtime or a compensatory holiday as per your company’s policy.
Conclusion
The Kashmir Day holiday official notification from the Cabinet Division confirms that Wednesday, 5th February 2026 is a nationwide public holiday. Plan your banking, official work, and travel accordingly. At 10:00 AM, join the nation in observing a minute of silence to honor the Kashmiri struggle. Always refer to official government websites for the final and authenticated notification.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the standard annual notification pattern. The final, signed gazette notification from the Cabinet Division is the authoritative document. Always confirm with your relevant institution.
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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