5 February Holiday Notification – Basant Holidays Update
Thursday, 5 February 2026 is a public holiday across all of Pakistan, including Punjab, due to Kashmir Solidarity Day.
What stays closed
- Federal and provincial government offices
- All public and private schools, colleges, and universities
- Banks and most financial institutions
- Courts and non-essential departments
Official observance
- A one-minute silence at 10:00 AM nationwide
- Rallies, seminars, and solidarity events across the country
This holiday applies equally to Lahore, Punjab, and every other province.
Is Shab-e-Barat a Holiday in Lahore?
Yes.
Wednesday, 4 February 2026 is a provincial public holiday in Punjab, including Lahore, on account of Shab-e-Barat.
Who announced it
- Punjab Government notification
What it means
- All public and private educational institutions in Punjab are closed
- Provincial government offices remain closed
- Private offices may follow at their discretion
This holiday does not apply nationwide, only within Punjab.
Is It a Holiday in Pakistan Today? (Context: Early February 2026)
If the date is:
- 4 February 2026 → ❌ Not a national holiday, ✅ holiday in Punjab
- 5 February 2026 → ✅ National public holiday
- 6–7 February 2026 → ❌ Nationally working days, ✅ holidays in Punjab (Basant)
- 8 February 2026 (Sunday) → ✅ Weekly off
So yes, during this period, multiple holidays apply depending on location.
The 5-Day Holiday Sequence in Lahore (Confirmed)
This is why it’s being called a mega break in Lahore.
| Date | Day | Occasion | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Feb | Wednesday | Shab-e-Barat | Punjab holiday |
| 5 Feb | Thursday | Kashmir Solidarity Day | National holiday |
| 6 Feb | Friday | Basant Holiday (Day 1) | Punjab holiday |
| 7 Feb | Saturday | Basant Holiday (Day 2) | Punjab holiday |
| 8 Feb | Sunday | Weekly off | Nationwide |
➡️ Five consecutive non-working days in Lahore
Basant Holiday Notification 2026 (Punjab & Lahore)
Yes, Basant holidays are officially notified for 2026.
After an 18-year ban, the Punjab government approved the revival of Basant, resulting in:
- Friday, 6 February 2026 – Basant Holiday
- Saturday, 7 February 2026 – Basant Holiday
These holidays apply only in Punjab, with Lahore as the primary focal point.
Basant Safety & Regulatory Framework (Very Important)
This is not an unrestricted Basant.
Key rules in force
- Only cotton kite string allowed
- QR-coded string mandatory for traceability
- Complete ban on:
- Metallic wire
- Nylon/plastic string
- Chemical-coated string
Enforcement measures
- 40 red zones in Lahore under constant surveillance
- Kite flying restricted mainly to Lahore district limits
- Heavy fines and arrests for violations
Public safety
- Motorcyclists advised to install safety antennas/wires
- Police, Rescue 1122, hospitals on 24/7 high alert
Digital control
- e-Biz app launched for registration of:
- Kite manufacturers
- Sellers
- Distributors
Are Schools and Colleges Closed in Punjab?
Yes. Fully closed.
All public and private educational institutions in Punjab remain closed from:
4 February to 8 February 2026
Classes resume Monday, 9 February 2026.
Are Banks Closed?
- 5 February 2026 → ❌ Banks closed nationwide
- 6 February 2026 → May reopen partially depending on SBP circulars
- Punjab provincial holidays often affect local branches
Customers should expect limited services during this period.
Are Summer Holidays Extended in Punjab in 2025?
No.
- These holidays are not related to summer vacations
- Summer holidays follow a separate education department schedule
- The February break is due to religious, national, and cultural events
Quick Answers (Search-Friendly)
- Is 5 Feb a holiday in Pakistan 2026? → Yes
- Is 4 Feb a holiday in Punjab? → Yes
- Are Basant holidays confirmed in Lahore 2026? → Yes
- Are schools closed in Lahore Feb 2026? → Yes (4–8 Feb)
- Is Basant allowed without rules? → No, strict regulations apply
