As February approaches, families, students, and employees across Punjab have been looking for clear information about upcoming holidays. With religious observance, a national day, cultural celebrations, and the weekend aligning closely, confusion was natural. The Punjab Government has now officially issued public holiday notifications for February 2026, bringing clarity on closures and helping citizens plan ahead without uncertainty.
This article explains what has been announced, which days are holidays, who is affected, and what to expect once the break ends.
What Is the Latest Update
The Punjab Government, through the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), has officially notified a series of public holidays in early February 2026. These notifications collectively create an extended break, especially for residents of Lahore, where multiple holidays and the weekend align back-to-back.
The announcements confirm closures for government offices, educational institutions, and other provincial bodies on specified dates.
Official Punjab Holiday Schedule for February 2026
The following holidays have been officially notified for Punjab in February 2026:
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Wednesday, February 4, 2026 – Shab-e-Barat (Provincial Public Holiday)
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Thursday, February 5, 2026 – Kashmir Solidarity Day (National Public Holiday)
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Friday, February 6, 2026 – Basant Festival (Provincial holiday, with celebrations mainly in Lahore)
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Saturday, February 7, 2026 – Weekly weekend holiday
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Sunday, February 8, 2026 – Weekly weekend holiday
Together, these dates form a five-day continuous break for many people across the province.
What Will Be Closed on February 4 (Shab-e-Barat)
On February 4, a province-wide public holiday has been declared in Punjab.
Institutions Closed Province-Wide
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All provincial government offices
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Public and private schools
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Colleges and universities under provincial control
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Autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies
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Local councils
This allows citizens to observe Shab-e-Barat without work or academic obligations.
What Happens on February 5 (Kashmir Solidarity Day)
February 5 is a nationwide gazetted holiday, not limited to Punjab.
Closures on February 5
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Federal and provincial government offices
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Banks and financial institutions
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Stock exchanges
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Schools and colleges across Pakistan
This ensures a uniform holiday across all provinces.
Basant Holiday on February 6 – What to Know
The Basant Festival holiday on Friday, February 6, has been notified by the Punjab Government to facilitate cultural celebrations following the revival of the festival.
While Basant activities are mainly centered in Lahore, the holiday applies at the provincial level, meaning government offices and institutions in Punjab observe closure.
This holiday comes after a long gap, marking the regulated return of a cultural tradition under official oversight.
Special Arrangements for Lahore Residents
Lahore residents benefit the most from this alignment of holidays.
Five-Day Continuous Break in Lahore
From February 4 to February 8, many Lahore residents enjoy uninterrupted holidays due to:
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Shab-e-Barat
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Kashmir Day
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Basant holiday
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Saturday and Sunday weekend
To support mobility during this period, the government has announced free public transport in Lahore, including:
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Metro Bus
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Orange Line
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Speedo Bus
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Electric bus services
These facilities aim to reduce congestion and help families move safely during the extended break.
When Will Offices and Schools Reopen
According to the notifications:
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All government offices and educational institutions will resume normal operations on Monday, February 9, 2026.
There are no announcements of further extensions beyond this date.
Who Is Affected by These Holidays
The February 2026 holiday notifications affect a wide range of people.
Directly Impacted Groups
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Government employees
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Students and teachers
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Parents managing school schedules
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Citizens planning travel or family gatherings
Private offices may follow their own policies, but many align with official government holidays.
What People Should Do Now
With the holiday schedule confirmed, early planning is recommended.
Practical Guidance
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Confirm reopening dates with your school or office
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Plan travel early, especially within Lahore
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Check bank and service availability before visiting
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Follow official safety and traffic advisories during celebrations
Responsible planning helps avoid inconvenience during busy days.
Clarity – Common Confusion
Is February 6 a holiday across all of Pakistan?
No. It is a provincial holiday in Punjab.
Are private schools closed on these dates?
Most private schools follow government notifications, but confirmation is advised.
Are banks open on February 4?
Yes. Banks are open on February 4 but closed on February 5.
When do offices reopen?
On Monday, February 9, 2026.
Why These Notifications Matter
Clear holiday notifications reduce confusion, prevent misinformation, and allow citizens to plan responsibly. They also help authorities prepare for increased movement during religious and cultural observances.
By issuing timely and detailed notices, the Punjab Government ensures smoother administration and public convenience.
Conclusion
The official Punjab Government public holiday notifications for February 2026 confirm a sequence of important closures, creating an extended break from February 4 to February 8 for many citizens. With Shab-e-Barat, Kashmir Solidarity Day, Basant, and the weekend aligning, families and workers can plan their time with clarity and confidence.
Citizens are encouraged to rely on official updates, confirm institutional schedules, and observe the holidays responsibly as normal activities resume on February 9, 2026.
