Are Schools and Offices Closed on Feb 5? Basant Holiday Notification Explained
February 2026 brings an unusual and much-discussed holiday stretch in Pakistan, especially for residents of Punjab and Lahore. Thursday, February 5, 2026, is officially confirmed as a public holiday across Pakistan, while Punjab enjoys additional days off due to the revival of the Basant festival. Below is the complete, verified, and easy-to-understand breakdown of what is closed, where the holidays apply, and why this period matters.
February 5, 2026: National Public Holiday in Pakistan
The Federal Government of Pakistan, through the Cabinet Division, has officially notified February 5, 2026 (Thursday) as a nationwide public holiday on account of Kashmir Solidarity Day.
What does this mean?
On February 5, the following will remain closed across Pakistan:
- Federal and provincial government offices
- Private offices
- All public and private schools, colleges, and universities
- Banks and financial institutions, as confirmed by the State Bank
Official observance
- A one-minute silence at 10:00 AM will be observed nationwide
- Special programs, seminars, and rallies will be held to express solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir
This holiday applies equally in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, and all other regions.
Punjab’s Basant Mega-Holiday: February 6–7, 2026
Beyond the national holiday, Punjab has announced additional provincial holidays linked to the revival of the Basant festival after an 18-year ban.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the plan as a pilot cultural initiative, with Lahore as the central focus.
Punjab holiday schedule explained
| Date | Occasion | Status in Punjab | Status in Other Provinces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 5 (Thu) | Kashmir Solidarity Day | Closed | Closed |
| Feb 6 (Fri) | Basant Holiday (Day 1) | Closed | Open |
| Feb 7 (Sat) | Basant Holiday (Day 2) | Closed | Open / Half-day |
| Feb 8 (Sun) | Weekly Off | Closed | Closed |
What this means for Lahore and Punjab
- A four-day long weekend from Thursday to Sunday
- Provincial government offices remain closed on February 6 and 7
- These extra holidays do not apply outside Punjab
Basant 2026: Rules, Safety & Official Controls
The return of Basant in 2026 is strictly regulated and not an unrestricted event.
Key safety regulations
- Only cotton kite string is allowed
- Metallic, nylon, plastic, and chemical-coated strings are completely banned
- Approved strings carry QR codes for traceability
Enforcement
- Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 is fully enforced
- Heavy fines and arrests for violations
- Police monitoring in sensitive areas
Essential services
Despite office closures, the following remain fully operational on high alert:
- Hospitals
- Police
- Rescue 1122
- Fire and emergency services
Are Schools and Colleges Closed?
Yes.
- February 5: Closed nationwide
- February 6–7: Closed across Punjab due to Basant holidays
- February 8: Sunday (weekly off)
As a result, most public and private schools in Punjab are closed for four consecutive days. Private school associations in the province have confirmed they are following the provincial government schedule.
Are Banks Open During This Period?
- February 5, 2026: Banks closed nationwide
- February 6, 2026: Punjab branches likely closed due to provincial holiday
- Services may resume gradually depending on internal bank notices
Customers should expect limited banking services during this period.
Are Winter or Summer Vacations Extended in Punjab?
No.
These holidays:
- Are event-based public holidays, not vacation extensions
- Have no link with winter or summer vacation schedules
- Do not change the official academic calendar beyond these dates
Quick Summary
- February 5, 2026 is a confirmed public holiday across Pakistan
- Punjab observes additional holidays on February 6 and 7 due to Basant
- Lahore experiences a four-day long weekend
- Schools, offices, and banks remain closed as per notifications
- Basant celebrations are allowed only under strict safety rules
