A new year always brings a sense of excitement — and nothing adds to that excitement like knowing when the holidays are! For Pakistanis, public holidays are more than just days off. They are family gatherings, chai sessions, weddings, short trips, and well-deserved rest days. And when a holiday falls next to a weekend, it creates a golden opportunity for long breaks, travel, and quality time with loved ones.

At BSK Groups, we know that planning your year starts with understanding the public holidays. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to Pakistan’s federal public, optional, and bank holidays for 2026, including the best long weekends to plan your trips, family time, and even property visits!

Pakistan National & Public Holidays – 2026

Kashmir Solidarity Day — Thursday, 5 February 2026

Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed nationwide to show support for the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Across Pakistan, rallies, human chains, and special programs mark the day. Falling on a Thursday, it sets up a long weekend for families to relax or even explore nearby destinations.

Eid-ul-Fitr — Saturday to Monday, 21–23 March 2026

(Subject to moon sighting)
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. The celebrations include new clothes, delicious khurma, family gatherings, and Eidi festivities. Falling from Saturday to Monday, Eid 2026 offers a ready-made long weekend — perfect for family trips or well-deserved rest days.

Pakistan Day — Monday, 23 March 2026

Pakistan Day commemorates the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and is a day full of national pride, official ceremonies, and flag hoisting. Landing on a Monday, it naturally extends the weekend, giving everyone more time to celebrate and spend with family.

Labour Day — Friday, 1 May 2026

This global tribute to workers perfectly aligns with the weekend in 2026. A Friday off is ideal for a short trip, relaxing at home, or even exploring property opportunities with BSK Groups in Peshawar and nearby areas.

Eid-ul-Azha — Wednesday to Friday, 27–29 May 2026

(Subject to moon sighting)
Eid-ul-Azha brings together faith, family, and generosity. From Qurbani preparations to sharing meals, this midyear break is especially valuable. With holidays starting on Wednesday and extending through Friday, you get a rare five-day window to travel, celebrate, or even visit real estate sites showcased by BSK Groups.

Youm-e-Takbeer — Thursday, 28 May 2026

Celebrating Pakistan’s historic achievements in defense, this mid-week holiday is a perfect pause to relax before the summer kicks in.

Ashura — Wednesday & Thursday, 24–25 June 2026

(9th & 10th Muharram – subject to moon sighting)
The two-day Ashura holiday, combined with Friday, can create another five-day midyear break. Families often use this time for reflection, religious observances, and visiting relatives.

Independence Day — Friday, 14 August 2026

Celebrations fill the streets with green and white. Independence Day landing on a Friday naturally extends the weekend, making it ideal for travel, family outings, and even scouting real estate options with BSK Groups.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi — Tuesday, 25 August 2026

(Subject to moon sighting)
A spiritual and peaceful day observed with prayers, Milad gatherings, and compassion-focused events.

Iqbal Day — Monday, 9 November 2026

Restored as a public holiday, Iqbal Day honors Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the visionary of Pakistan. Falling on a Monday, it’s another chance for a long weekend.

Quaid-e-Azam Day & Christmas — Friday, 25 December 2026

This day is celebrated nationwide with reflection, family gatherings, and Christmas festivities. Falling on a Friday, it naturally creates a long weekend.

Second Day of Christmas — Saturday, 26 December 2026

Mainly observed for Christian employees, it extends the festive cheer into the weekend.

Bank Holidays in 2026

• Thursday, 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day
  Banks remain closed nationwide, so plan your transactions and payments ahead of time.

Optional Holidays – Flexible & Family-Friendly

The Cabinet Division allows employees to take optional holidays for religious observances:

• Muslim employees can observe certain Islamic events at the regional level.
• Non-Muslim employees may take up to three optional holidays for festivals like Christmas, Holi, Diwali, or Easter.

These optional days allow extra flexibility to plan personal trips or property visits with BSK Groups’ team, ensuring you never miss a valuable opportunity.

Final Thoughts – Make 2026 Your Year of Planning

With strategically placed holidays, long weekends, and festive breaks, 2026 is a year to plan smart and relax more. Whether it’s a northern adventure in Hunza or Murree, attending weddings, or exploring real estate opportunities with BSK Groups, knowing your holidays in advance makes every moment count.

So mark your calendars, plan your leaves wisely, and enjoy every well-earned break — because in Pakistan, holidays aren’t just days off; they’re moments to live for.