Pakistan Declares August 26 Public Holiday for Eid Milad-un-Nabi

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has declared Wednesday, August 26, a nationwide public holiday to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH), following formal approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Cabinet Division issued the notification on Friday, confirming the closure of government and semi-government offices across Pakistan for the religious occasion.

The holiday corresponds with 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 AH, the date on which Eid Milad-un-Nabi will be observed in Pakistan this year. The announcement provides official confirmation for federal institutions and follows the government's established process for notifying public holidays through the Cabinet Division.

The date of the observance had been determined after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met earlier this month to assess reports regarding the sighting of the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon. Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad announced that the new moon had not been sighted on August 13, establishing August 26 as the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal.

The Cabinet Division's latest notification continues the government's annual public-holiday arrangements previously outlined in its calendar for 2026. By issuing a separate notification ahead of the occasion, authorities have formally confirmed that Wednesday will be treated as a public holiday by federal government and semi-government institutions throughout the country.

The Sindh government has also announced a public holiday in the province for August 26, aligning its official schedule with the federal declaration. Provincial authorities and public institutions are expected to implement their respective administrative arrangements in accordance with official notifications issued for the occasion.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi is observed by Muslims on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal and is marked across Pakistan through religious gatherings, prayers and commemorative activities. Public buildings, mosques and streets in many cities are traditionally illuminated and decorated as communities prepare for events associated with the observance.

The nationwide holiday announcement is significant for millions of government employees, students and families planning around the midweek closure. Government departments and semi-government offices covered by the federal notification will remain closed on August 26, while institutions governed by separate provincial or organisational rules will follow notifications issued by their respective authorities.

Attention will now turn to administrative and security preparations ahead of the observance. Relevant federal, provincial and local authorities are expected to manage arrangements associated with public gatherings and official closures, while citizens and institutions can now plan for the confirmed Wednesday holiday following the Cabinet Division's announcement.