The federal government has declared Monday, 9 November 2026, a nationwide public holiday for Iqbal Day, giving Pakistanis a three-day long weekend. The Cabinet Division issued the official notification on Wednesday, 5 November 2026, confirming that the holiday will be observed across the country.
Because 9 November falls on a Monday, people who already have Saturday and Sunday off will enjoy three consecutive days off, from 7 to 9 November. Those whose workplaces operate on Saturdays will get two consecutive holidays, on Sunday and Monday.
Iqbal Day Holiday 2026: Key Details
Detail
Confirmed Position
Public holiday
Monday, 9 November 2026
Occasion
Birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal
Long weekend
7 to 9 November (Saturday to Monday) for those with Saturday off
Offices reopen
Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Notification issued by
Cabinet Division, on 5 November 2026
Key Facts About the Iqbal Day Holiday
Official notification: The Cabinet Division issued the notification on Wednesday, 5 November 2026, and circulated it to federal ministries, provincial governments and other institutions.
Already in the annual schedule: Iqbal Day was already listed as a public holiday in the Cabinet Division’s annual holiday circular of 19 January 2026, and the new notification confirms it for this year.
Banks will stay closed: The State Bank of Pakistan has confirmed it will remain closed on Monday, 9 November 2026, for Allama Iqbal Day, in BPRD Circular Letter No. 23 of 2026, dated 3 November. Banks across the country will remain closed on the day.
Punjab holiday confirmed: The Punjab government had already declared 9 November a public holiday across the province in a notification issued on 30 October 2026.
Schools and colleges closed: Government offices, federal institutions and educational institutions will remain closed on Monday, 9 November. The Sindh College Education Department has also announced a holiday for public and private educational institutions in the province on the day.
Official schedule: The full list of public holidays is published by the Cabinet Division on its official website.
Iqbal Day is observed every year on 9 November to mark the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who was born in Sialkot on 9 November 1877. His poetry and philosophical work played a significant role in inspiring the Pakistan Movement, and the day is observed across the country in his honour.
What Stays Closed on 9 November
Government offices: All federal government offices and public-sector organisations will remain closed.
Educational institutions: Schools, colleges and universities covered by the holiday notification will remain closed.
Banks: All banks will remain closed, following the State Bank of Pakistan’s closure announcement.
Normal routine resumes: Government offices and educational institutions are expected to resume normal operations on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
Conclusion
The Iqbal Day holiday on 9 November 2026 gives most Pakistanis a three-day weekend, from Saturday, 7 November to Monday, 9 November. With the Cabinet Division’s notification now issued and the State Bank confirming bank closures, employees and students can plan the long weekend with certainty. Normal work and classes resume on Tuesday, 10 November.
FAQs
Is 9 November 2026 a public holiday in Pakistan? Yes. The federal government has declared Monday, 9 November 2026 a nationwide public holiday for Iqbal Day, confirmed by a Cabinet Division notification issued on 5 November 2026.
How many days is the Iqbal Day long weekend in 2026? Three days, from Saturday, 7 November to Monday, 9 November, for people who have Saturday and Sunday off. Those who work on Saturdays get two days off, Sunday and Monday.
Will banks be open on 9 November 2026? No. The State Bank of Pakistan has confirmed it will remain closed on 9 November 2026, and banks across the country will stay closed.
Shahzad Sahil is the editor of lahorejobs24.com, covering government jobs, private jobs, bank jobs, results and education news for Lahore and Punjab, with information verified from official sources.
