For citizens across Pakistan, clarity about public holidays is essential for planning work, education, banking, and travel. In early February, mixed announcements from federal and provincial authorities created confusion about which day is officially off nationwide. To remove uncertainty, the Federal Government has now issued an official notification declaring a nationwide public holiday, clearly defining what is closed, what remains open, and how other dates are treated.
This article explains the federal holiday decision, how it differs from provincial announcements, and what people should expect next.
What Is the Latest Update
The Federal Government of Pakistan has officially declared Thursday, February 5, 2026, as a nationwide public holiday in observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day. The notification was issued on February 2, 2026, confirming that this is a gazetted federal holiday.
A gazetted holiday applies across the entire country and carries legal and administrative weight for closures at all levels.
What a Federal Public Holiday Means
Because February 5 is a federal gazetted holiday, it applies uniformly throughout Pakistan.
Institutions Closed Nationwide on February 5
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Federal government offices
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Provincial government offices
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Public and private educational institutions
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Banks and financial institutions
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Stock exchanges and related markets
This makes February 5 the only day in the week with a confirmed nationwide shutdown.
Federal Holiday Summary
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Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
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Occasion: Kashmir Solidarity Day
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Scope: Nationwide
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Status: All major institutions closed
Citizens across all provinces observe the holiday equally.
Clarification About Shab-e-Barat (February 4)
A key point of confusion has been Shab-e-Barat on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Federal Government Position
At the federal level:
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Shab-e-Barat is listed as an optional holiday
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Federal offices remain open
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Banks remain open
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Attendance and leave depend on departmental discretion
This means there is no federal shutdown on February 4.
Provincial Differences on February 4
While the federal government treats February 4 as optional, some provinces have taken independent decisions.
Provincial Announcements
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Punjab: Full provincial public holiday
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Sindh: Holiday for educational institutions
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Other provinces: Normal working day unless notified
This difference explains why holiday status varies by location.
Banking Sector Status Explained
Bank operations often cause the most confusion, so clear separation is important.
Banks on February 4
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Banks remain open
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ATM and digital services operate normally
Banks on February 5
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Banks are closed nationwide
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Branch operations are suspended
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Digital banking and ATMs usually remain functional, subject to routine maintenance
Customers should plan branch visits accordingly.
Why February 5 Is the Only Federal Holiday This Week
Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed annually as a national event, making it one of the few dates with uniform federal closure across Pakistan. Other religious or cultural days may be recognized differently by provinces, but only federally notified days create a nationwide shutdown.
This distinction is important for employees who work under federal institutions or deal with inter-provincial operations.
Special Situation in Punjab
Although only February 5 is a federal holiday, residents of Punjab experience a longer break due to provincial decisions.
Punjab Holiday Stretch
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February 4: Provincial holiday (Shab-e-Barat)
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February 5: Federal holiday (Kashmir Day)
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February 6: Provincial Basant holiday
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February 7–8: Weekend
This results in five consecutive days off for many people in Punjab, especially in Lahore.
What People Should Do Now
With mixed federal and provincial schedules, confirmation is essential.
Practical Guidance
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Check whether your office follows federal or provincial rules
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Plan bank-related work before February 5
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Confirm school reopening dates with institutions
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Avoid relying on social media posts alone
Understanding the source of the holiday prevents missed workdays or unnecessary travel.
Clarity – Common Confusion
Is February 5 a holiday everywhere in Pakistan?
Yes. It is a nationwide federal holiday.
Is February 4 a federal holiday?
No. It is optional at the federal level.
Are banks closed on February 4?
No. Banks remain open.
When do offices reopen?
Regular operations resume on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Why This Federal Notification Matters
Clear federal notifications ensure consistency across provinces and sectors. They help businesses, schools, and citizens coordinate schedules without confusion, especially when multiple holidays fall close together.
Distinguishing between federal, provincial, and optional holidays is essential in Pakistan’s administrative structure.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s official notification declaring Thursday, February 5, 2026, as a nationwide public holiday provides long-needed clarity. On this day, all government offices, schools, and banks across Pakistan will remain closed in observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day.
While other dates in early February vary by province, February 5 stands as the only confirmed federal shutdown. Citizens are advised to plan work, banking, and travel accordingly and to rely on official notifications rather than assumptions.
