Government Announces Public Holiday Across Pakistan on August 26
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced a nationwide public holiday on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division following approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the public holiday will be observed on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 Hijri.
The notification states that the holiday has been declared to facilitate citizens in observing Eid Milad-un-Nabi and participating in religious gatherings and other activities held across the country.
All federal and provincial government offices will remain closed on the occasion. Banks, educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities, as well as other public and private institutions will also observe the holiday, according to the announcement.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi is observed across Pakistan with religious devotion and enthusiasm. Special Milad gatherings are organized in mosques, religious centers and communities, while people participate in Naat recitations and processions to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
In many cities, streets, markets, mosques and residential areas are decorated with lights, banners and flags ahead of the occasion. Religious organizations and local communities also arrange special programs and gatherings.
Authorities traditionally make additional security and traffic arrangements for Milad processions and large religious gatherings. Provincial and district administrations are expected to announce detailed security, traffic and route plans ahead of the event.
The Cabinet Division’s notification follows the formal approval of the holiday proposal by the prime minister. The announcement provides citizens and institutions with advance notice to make arrangements for the public holiday.
The nationwide holiday will allow people across Pakistan to participate in religious activities and celebrations marking 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal.
Further instructions regarding security measures, traffic diversions and arrangements for processions are expected from provincial and local administrations in the days leading up to Eid Milad-un-Nabi.
The announcement comes as preparations for the religious occasion begin across the country, with religious organizations and local administrations expected to finalize arrangements in the coming days.
