Punjab Govt Holidays 2026 Notification – Full List
The Punjab government has formally issued its 2026 public holiday schedule, and this year stands out for one major reason: a historic February “Super Break” built around Shab-e-Barat, Kashmir Day, and the revival of Basant.
Approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the calendar blends religious, national, and cultural holidays, with Lahore receiving special status for Basant.
Below is the fully verified, notification-based breakdown, followed by clear answers to the most searched questions.
1. February 2026 “Super Break” (Officially Notified)
This is the most talked-about holiday cluster of 2026.
📅 February Holiday Schedule
| Date | Day | Occasion | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 4 | Wednesday | Shab-e-Barat | Public Holiday (Punjab) |
| Feb 5 | Thursday | Kashmir Day | National Public Holiday |
| Feb 6 | Friday | Basant Holiday | Local Holiday (Lahore only) |
| Feb 7 | Saturday | Weekend | Regular Holiday |
| Feb 8 | Sunday | Weekend | Regular Holiday |
What This Means
- Lahore: 5 consecutive holidays (Feb 4–8)
- Rest of Punjab: 4-day long weekend (Feb 5–8)
The February 6 Basant holiday applies only to Lahore and marks the official start of the 3-day Basant Festival (Feb 6–8).
2. Punjab Government Gazetted Holidays 2026 (Full List)
Based on federal and provincial notifications, these are the confirmed public holidays for the rest of the year.
🇵🇰 National & Religious Holidays
- March 23 (Mon): Pakistan Day
- March 21–23 (Sat–Mon): Eid-ul-Fitr*
- May 1 (Fri): Labour Day
- May 28 (Thu): Youm-e-Takbeer
- May 27–29 (Wed–Fri): Eid-ul-Azha*
- June 24–25 (Wed–Thu): Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram)*
- August 14 (Fri): Independence Day
- August 25 (Tue): Eid Milad-un-Nabi*
- November 9 (Mon): Allama Iqbal Day
- December 25 (Fri): Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas
- December 26 (Sat): Day after Christmas (Christians only)
*Subject to moon sighting.
3. Optional Holidays 2026 (On Approval)
Government employees may avail optional holidays with prior permission.
- January 1 (Thu): New Year’s Day
- January 23 (Fri): Basant Panchami
- March 4 (Wed): Holi
- April 3 (Fri): Good Friday
- April 14 (Tue): Baisakhi
- November 9 (Mon): Diwali
Important Instructions for Students, Offices & Banks
🎓 Educational Institutions
- All public and private schools/colleges in Lahore remain closed Feb 4–8
- Other Punjab districts follow the standard Feb 5–8 long weekend
🚑 Essential Services
- Hospitals, Rescue 1122, police, and emergency services remain operational
🏦 Banks
- Banks close on national holidays (e.g., Feb 5 – Kashmir Day)
- On local/provincial holidays (Feb 6 – Basant), banks may remain open unless State Bank of Pakistan issues a closure notice
Frequently Asked Questions (Most Searched)
When Is the Best Time to Take Leave in 2026?
The February 4–8 window is the most valuable break of the year.
Taking only 1–2 casual leaves before or after can turn it into a 7–9 day vacation, especially for Lahore residents.
Is Punjab Summer Vacation 2025 Extended?
No.
- There is no notification extending Punjab summer vacations for 2025
- The February announcements apply only to 2026 public holidays
- Any claims linking Basant to summer vacation extensions are false
Is February 25, 2026 a Holiday in Punjab?
No.
- February 25, 2026 is a working day
- Eid Milad-un-Nabi in 2026 falls on August 25, not February
Is There an Official Basant Holiday in Punjab?
Yes — but with limits.
- February 6, 2026 is an officially notified local holiday
- It applies only to Lahore
- Kite flying is legal only Feb 6–8 and only in Lahore
Shab-e-Barat 2026 Holiday in Pakistan
- Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
- Status: Public holiday across Punjab
- Schools, offices, and government departments remain closed
Punjab Govt Holidays 2026 Notification PDF — Can I Download It?
- The official PDF is issued by the Punjab Services & General Administration Department (S&GAD)
- It is typically available via:
- Punjab Government official website
- Press Information Department circulars
- Notifications shared with departments and schools
If you want, I can format this entire list into a clean PDF-style layout suitable for download or printing.
Final Summary
- Basant is officially back in 2026, with Lahore at the center
- February 4–8 creates a rare 5-day continuous break
- Punjab’s 2026 holiday calendar is one of the most generous in recent years
- No summer vacation extension is linked to these holidays
