As February approaches, confusion around holidays has been spreading among parents, students, and office workers across Punjab. To clear the air, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has issued an official clarification explaining how and where five consecutive holidays will be observed in early February 2026. The announcement brings relief for some districts—while setting clear expectations for others.
This article explains what the clarification means, who will get the full break, and how the holiday structure actually works, using only verified and factual information.
What Is the Official Clarification About
The Punjab government has clarified that a five-day consecutive holiday period will be observed specifically in Lahore district from February 4 to February 8, 2026. This extended break is not due to a single notification, but rather the alignment of religious, national, cultural, and weekend holidays.
The clarification was necessary because many people assumed the five-day holiday applied to the entire province, which is not the case.
Why Five Holidays Are Falling Together
The five consecutive holidays occur because multiple observances fall back-to-back and connect with the weekend. These include:
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A provincial religious holiday
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A national public holiday
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A locally notified cultural holiday
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Regular weekly holidays
When combined, they form a continuous break—but only where all notifications apply.
Official Holiday Schedule: February 4 to February 8, 2026
Below is the confirmed holiday breakdown, as clarified by the Punjab government:
| Date | Day | Holiday / Observance |
|---|---|---|
| February 4, 2026 | Wednesday | Shab-e-Barat (Provincial Public Holiday) |
| February 5, 2026 | Thursday | Kashmir Day (National Public Holiday) |
| February 6, 2026 | Friday | Basant Festival (Local Holiday – Lahore only) |
| February 7, 2026 | Saturday | Weekly Holiday |
| February 8, 2026 | Sunday | Weekly Holiday |
This table explains why Lahore residents receive five continuous days off, while other districts may not.
Who Will Get the Full Five-Day Holiday
Lahore District
Residents of Lahore will observe the entire five-day break because:
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Shab-e-Barat applies province-wide
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Kashmir Day applies nationwide
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Basant holiday has been locally notified for Lahore district only
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The weekend naturally follows
As a result, all government offices, semi-autonomous bodies, and public and private educational institutions in Lahore will remain closed during this period.
What About the Rest of Punjab
For most other districts in Punjab, the situation is different.
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February 4 (Shab-e-Barat) – Holiday
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February 5 (Kashmir Day) – Holiday
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February 6 (Friday) – Working day, unless a district administration issues a local notification
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February 7–8 – Regular weekend
This means most districts will observe only two consecutive public holidays, not five.
Local administrations may announce additional closures, but no province-wide notification exists for February 6 outside Lahore.
Institutions Affected by the Holidays
In Lahore, the following will remain closed from February 4 to 8:
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Government offices
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Semi-autonomous institutions
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Public and private schools, colleges, and universities
In other districts, closures apply only on officially notified public holidays unless otherwise announced locally.
Private businesses may follow their own schedules.
Basant Holiday and Safety Measures
The Chief Minister also addressed concerns related to the Basant festival. The local holiday in Lahore is intended to recognize cultural tradition while ensuring public safety.
Key safety points emphasized include:
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Strict ban on metallic and chemical kite strings
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Enforcement of designated kite-flying zones
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Monitoring to prevent accidents and power disruptions
The holiday does not mean unrestricted activity. Law enforcement and district authorities remain responsible for ensuring compliance with safety rules.
Why This Clarification Matters
This clarification helps prevent:
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Misinformation on social media
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Unnecessary absenteeism from offices and schools
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Travel planning confusion
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Business disruptions
Clear communication allows families and institutions to plan responsibly instead of relying on rumors.
What Citizens Should Do Now
Residents are advised to:
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Check whether they fall under Lahore district or another district
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Confirm school or office schedules locally
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Avoid assuming province-wide closures
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Follow official instructions during Basant-related activities
Staying informed avoids inconvenience.
Conclusion
The five consecutive holidays from February 4 to February 8, 2026, apply only to Lahore district, as clarified by the Punjab government. This extended break results from the overlap of Shab-e-Barat, Kashmir Day, a local Basant holiday, and the weekend.
For the rest of Punjab, holidays remain limited unless local administrations issue separate notifications. The clarification brings much-needed certainty—and highlights the importance of relying on official information rather than assumptions.
