As Shab-e-Barat approaches, employees and business owners across Pakistan are trying to plan their work schedules with one key question in mind: will government and private offices remain closed on February 4, 2026? Unlike some nationwide holidays, Shab-e-Barat closures are not uniform across the country, which often leads to confusion.
Here is a clear, province-wise explanation of what is officially confirmed, what remains optional, and what people should realistically expect.
What Is the Official Status of Shab-e-Barat Holiday
Shab-e-Barat falls on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. It is recognized as a religious occasion, but closure decisions vary by province and sector. Some governments have issued formal public holiday notifications, while others have limited the holiday to specific sectors only.
This difference is why employees in one province may get a full day off, while others continue normal office operations.
Punjab: Full Closure of Government Offices
Punjab has taken the clearest and broadest approach this year.
Government Offices in Punjab
The Punjab government has officially declared a province-wide public holiday. As a result:
-
All provincial government offices will remain closed
-
Attached departments, autonomous bodies, corporations, and local councils are included
-
Routine public services will resume after the holiday
This applies across all districts of Punjab, leaving no ambiguity for government employees.
Private Offices in Punjab
For the private sector:
-
The government notification does not legally mandate closure
-
Private offices are allowed to decide independently
However, in practice, many private businesses choose to remain closed or operate with reduced staff, especially in major cities. Employees should confirm directly with their employers.
Sindh: Education Closed, Offices Open
Sindh’s decision for Shab-e-Barat is more limited in scope.
Educational Institutions in Sindh
-
All public and private schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed
This closure is officially confirmed and applies province-wide.
Government and Private Offices in Sindh
-
There is no general public holiday notification for government offices
-
Provincial government offices are expected to operate during normal working hours
-
Most private offices and businesses are also expected to remain open
Employees in Sindh should not assume a day off unless their department or company issues an internal notice.
Federal Government Offices: Optional Holiday Only
At the federal level, Shab-e-Barat is treated differently.
Federal Offices and Institutions
-
Shab-e-Barat is listed as an optional holiday
-
Offices remain officially open
-
Federal employees may apply for leave individually
This means routine work continues unless an employee chooses to take approved leave.
Private Sector Nationwide
Outside Punjab, most private companies across Pakistan are expected to:
-
Operate as a normal working day
-
Offer flexibility only if management chooses
There is no nationwide order requiring private offices to close on Shab-e-Barat.
Quick Province-Wise Office Closure Summary
Here is a simplified breakdown for Wednesday, February 4, 2026:
Punjab
-
Government Offices: Closed
-
Private Offices: Discretionary
-
Schools/Colleges: Closed
Sindh
-
Government Offices: Open
-
Private Offices: Open
-
Schools/Colleges: Closed
Federal
-
Government Offices: Open (optional leave)
-
Private Offices: Open
-
Schools/Colleges: Open
What Changes the Very Next Day
It is important to note that Thursday, February 5, 2026, is Kashmir Solidarity Day, which is a gazetted national public holiday.
On February 5:
-
All government offices nationwide will be closed
-
Most private offices and businesses also remain closed
-
Schools, colleges, and universities across Pakistan observe the holiday
For many employees, this results in two consecutive days off, depending on province and sector.
Common Confusion Explained
Many people misunderstand Shab-e-Barat closures. Here are clear answers:
-
Is Shab-e-Barat a nationwide office holiday?
No. Only Punjab has declared a full provincial holiday. -
Are private offices required to close?
No. Private offices decide independently unless stated otherwise. -
Should employees assume offices are closed?
No. Always confirm with your department or employer. -
Is February 5 a holiday everywhere?
Yes. Kashmir Solidarity Day applies nationwide.
What Employees and Businesses Should Do Now
To avoid last-minute confusion:
-
Government employees should check official departmental notices
-
Private sector staff should confirm work schedules with management
-
Businesses should inform clients and staff in advance
-
Employees planning leave should apply early where required
Clear communication helps avoid disruption.
Conclusion
So, will government and private offices remain closed on Shab-e-Barat?
The answer depends on where you work and in which province.
-
Punjab: Government offices are closed; private offices decide independently
-
Sindh: Offices remain open; only educational institutions are closed
-
Federal level: Offices remain open with optional leave
With a nationwide holiday following on February 5, many workers will still benefit from a short break. For accuracy, always rely on official notices from your department or employer, not assumptions or rumors.
