As February begins, parents, students, and office workers across Sindh have been seeking clear answers about upcoming holidays. With religious observance followed immediately by a national day, the Sindh Government has officially declared two consecutive holidays, bringing clarity to school schedules, office operations, and banking hours.
This article explains which days are off, what remains open, and how the two-day break affects different sectors across the province.
What Is the Latest Update
The Sindh Government has notified two back-to-back holidays on Wednesday, February 4, and Thursday, February 5, 2026. The announcement applies primarily to the education sector on the first day and expands to a nationwide shutdown on the second day.
The decision aligns religious observance with the national calendar, helping families plan ahead without confusion.
Official Sindh Holiday Schedule (February 4–5, 2026)
Here is the confirmed, sector-wise holiday status for the two days:
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Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Occasion: Shab-e-Barat
Status: Educational holiday across Sindh -
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Occasion: Kashmir Solidarity Day
Status: Nationwide public holiday
These two dates create a consecutive break for students, while offices observe different rules on each day.
What Is Closed on February 4 (Shab-e-Barat)
On February 4, the holiday is specifically designated for educational institutions.
Institutions Closed Province-Wide
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Public schools
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Private schools
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Colleges
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Universities
This closure has been confirmed by the Sindh School Education and Literacy Department, ensuring uniformity for students and teaching staff across all districts.
What Remains Open on February 4
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Most provincial government offices
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Semi-autonomous bodies
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Public-facing services (subject to departmental discretion)
Employees are advised to confirm internal schedules with their departments.
What Is Closed on February 5 (Kashmir Solidarity Day)
February 5 is a national public holiday, observed uniformly across Pakistan.
Institutions Closed Nationwide
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Federal and provincial government offices
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Semi-autonomous bodies and corporations
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Public and private educational institutions
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Courts and most public-facing offices
Because this is a gazetted holiday, the closure applies equally across Sindh and other provinces.
Banking Sector: What to Expect
Bank timings often cause the most confusion during mixed holiday weeks. Here is the clear position:
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February 4: Banks remain open across Sindh
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February 5: Banks are closed nationwide in line with the calendar of the State Bank of Pakistan
ATMs and digital banking services generally remain available, but branch visits should be planned accordingly.
Who Is Affected by the Two-Day Break
The consecutive holidays impact different groups in different ways.
Directly Benefiting Groups
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Students and teachers across Sindh
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Parents managing school routines
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Families observing Shab-e-Barat
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Employees planning around the national holiday on February 5
Private offices may follow internal policies, but many align with the national holiday on February 5.
When Do Schools and Offices Reopen
In Sindh, normal schedules resume promptly after the two-day break.
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Schools, colleges, and universities: Reopen on Friday, February 6, 2026
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Government offices: Resume work on Friday, February 6, 2026
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Banks: Resume branch operations on Friday, February 6, 2026
Unlike Punjab, Sindh has not announced a Basant-related holiday on February 6.
What Parents and Employees Should Do Now
With dates confirmed, a few practical steps can help avoid inconvenience.
Practical Guidance
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Confirm school reopening messages from institutions
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Plan bank visits before February 5
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Check office attendance requirements for February 4
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Avoid relying on social media posts without official confirmation
Clear planning is especially useful for families with children in different institutions.
Short – Common Confusion
Is February 4 a public holiday for offices in Sindh?
No. It is primarily an educational holiday.
Are schools closed on both days?
Yes. Schools are closed on February 4 and February 5.
Are banks open on February 4?
Yes. Banks remain open on February 4.
Does Sindh observe a holiday on February 6?
No. Regular work resumes on February 6.
Why Clear Holiday Information Matters
When religious and national observances fall close together, confusion can spread quickly. Clear, official notifications help families plan responsibly, reduce absenteeism, and ensure smooth operations for offices and services.
Understanding the difference between sector-specific and nationwide holidays is essential in Pakistan’s administrative system.
Conclusion
The Sindh Government’s declaration of two consecutive holidays on February 4 and 5, 2026 brings timely clarity for students, parents, and workers. With an education-sector holiday on Shab-e-Barat followed by a nationwide public holiday for Kashmir Solidarity Day, Sindh residents can plan their schedules confidently.
Citizens are advised to follow official notices, confirm sector-specific rules, and prepare for normal operations to resume on Friday, February 6, 2026.
