Punjab government has officially extended winter vacations for all schools and colleges till 19 January, keeping in view the sudden and severe change in weather conditions across the province.
Punjab’s Minister for Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, announced that educational institutions were earlier scheduled to reopen on 11 January, but the decision was revised due to an intense cold wave affecting the region.
In recent days, Punjab has been facing extreme winter conditions, including a sharp drop in temperature, which in some areas has fallen as low as 3°C. The situation has been further worsened by dense fog, causing extremely low visibility on roads and leading to an increased risk of traffic accidents.
The government stated that the primary purpose of extending winter vacations is to protect children from seasonal illnesses such as flu, pneumonia, and other cold-related diseases that tend to spread rapidly during harsh weather.
Officials emphasized that the safety and health of students remain the top priority. Parents have also welcomed the decision, calling it a timely step considering the prevailing weather conditions.
According to the notification, all schools and colleges across Punjab will now reopen on 19 January, provided that weather conditions improve.
The Punjab government has advised citizens to take precautionary measures during foggy conditions and avoid unnecessary travel, especially during early morning and late-night hours.
Complete Guide to Public Holidays in Pakistan: Yearly Overview with Special Focus on Eid Celebrations
Hey everyone, if you’re in Pakistan or planning a trip here, knowing the holiday calendar is super helpful. Whether it’s for family gatherings, travel plans, office leave, or just enjoying the festive vibes, Pakistan has a rich mix of national, religious, and cultural holidays throughout the year. Most are fixed on the Gregorian calendar, but the big Islamic ones like Eid shift based on the lunar Hijri calendar and moon sighting announcements.
In this post, I’ll break down the typical yearly public holidays in Pakistan, highlight the major ones, and dive deeper into the two Eids—Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha—which are the most anticipated and usually come with the longest breaks. Dates for Islamic holidays are tentative until officially confirmed by the government (often just days before), so always check the latest Cabinet Division notification or reliable sources closer to the time.
Major Public Holidays in Pakistan – A Yearly Snapshot
Pakistan observes around 15–18 public holidays annually for government offices, banks, and schools. Provinces sometimes add regional ones, but these are the nationwide staples:
- Kashmir Solidarity Day – February 5: A day to show support for Kashmiris. Usually a single holiday.
- Pakistan Day – March 23: Celebrates the Lahore Resolution of 1940. Often falls near Eid, creating extended breaks.
- Labour Day – May 1: International Workers’ Day, a nice mid-year break.
- Youm-e-Takbeer – May 28: Commemorates Pakistan’s nuclear tests in 1998.
- Independence Day – August 14: The big one! Flag-hoisting, parades, fireworks, and national pride everywhere.
- Defence Day – September 6: Honors the armed forces (more of an observance, but schools/offices often close).
- Iqbal Day – November 9: Birthday of Allama Iqbal, the national poet.
- Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas – December 25: Honors Muhammad Ali Jinnah and also Christmas for the Christian community.
Other notable ones include Ashura (Muharram), Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday), and sometimes Shab-e-Miraj or Shab-e-Barat as optional or bank holidays.
Eid Holidays in Pakistan: The Heart of Festive Breaks
Eid celebrations are the highlight for most Pakistanis. They bring family reunions, new clothes, sweets, qurbani (sacrifice), charity, and lots of food. Government usually declares 3–4 days off for each Eid to allow travel and festivities.
1. Eid ul-Fitr (عید الفطر) – The Sweet Eid
- Marks the end of Ramadan fasting.
- Falls on the 1st of Shawwal.
- Typical holidays: 3–4 days, often including the day before (Chand Raat for moon sighting and shopping frenzy).
- Traditions: Special prayers (Eidgah), Eidi money for kids, sheer khurma, visits to relatives, and charity (Fitrana).
- Why it’s loved: After a month of fasting, it’s all about joy, forgiveness, and feasting.
In recent years:
- 2025 saw holidays from March 31 to April 2/3 (around 3–4 days).
- For 2026, expect around March 21–23 or similar (tentative, based on moon sighting—could shift by a day or two).
2. Eid ul-Adha (عید الاضحٰی) – The Sacrifice Eid
- Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
- Falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, during Hajj season.
- Typical holidays: 3–4 days, sometimes extended to include weekends.
- Traditions: Animal sacrifice (qurbani), distributing meat to family, friends, and the poor, Eid prayers, and family feasts with biryani, karahi, and more.
- Why it’s special: Emphasizes sacrifice, sharing, and helping the needy.
Recent examples:
- 2025 had a generous 4-day break from June 6–9.
- 2026 tentative dates point to late May (around May 27–29 or so), often creating long weekends.
These Eids frequently create 5–7 day stretches when combined with weekends, perfect for family trips to northern areas, family villages, or just chilling at home.
Quick Yearly Holiday Planning Tips for Pakistanis
- Long weekends galore: Watch for holidays falling on Thursdays/Fridays or near weekends—great for short getaways.
- Travel alert: Book trains, flights, and hotels early for Eid times—prices skyrocket and everything gets crowded.
- Office & school closures: Federal and provincial governments align, but private companies vary.
- Moon sighting drama: For Eids, the exact date depends on Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announcements—follow news channels or apps for updates.
- Optional holidays: Some like New Year’s (Jan 1), Ashura, or minority festivals are bank/optional but widely observed.
Why These Holidays Matter in Pakistan
Beyond time off, these days strengthen community bonds, preserve cultural heritage, and give everyone a breather in our fast-paced lives. Eid, especially, reminds us of gratitude, generosity, and togetherness.
Planning your year around these? Mark your calendar now (tentative for lunar ones) and enjoy the festivities responsibly. What’s your favorite holiday tradition in Pakistan—Eid shopping, qurbani day vibes, or Independence Day fireworks? Share in the comments below!
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Stay updated—government notifications can tweak things, especially for religious dates. Happy holidays! 🇵🇰
