As February approaches, many people across Pakistan look for clarity around public holidays, office closures, and school schedules. This year, the government’s announcement regarding Kashmir Solidarity Day brings a clear nationwide pause in routine life. The decision is meant not only to mark a public holiday, but also to underline a day of unity, remembrance, and national expression.
Below is a complete, easy-to-read explanation of the official notification, what will remain closed, and how this holiday connects with other regional breaks.
What Is the Official Announcement
The Government of Pakistan has officially declared Thursday, 5 February 2026, as a nationwide public holiday on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day. The announcement has been issued through a formal notification by the federal authorities, confirming that the holiday will be observed throughout the country without exception.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed every year to express support with the people of Kashmir and to highlight their right to self-determination. In 2026, the government has once again confirmed full observance at the national level.
Key Instructions Included in the Notification
The official notification includes several important points that apply nationwide.
One-Minute Silence at 10:00 AM
A one-minute silence will be observed at exactly 10:00 AM across Pakistan. Citizens, offices, and institutions are encouraged to pause activities briefly to pay tribute to the martyrs of Kashmir.
This observance is symbolic and has been a consistent part of Kashmir Solidarity Day commemorations.
February 2026 Holidays in Pakistan (Quick View)
| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Who Is Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Feb 2026 | Wednesday | Shab-e-Barat | Schools & colleges in Sindh and Punjab |
| 5 Feb 2026 | Thursday | Kashmir Solidarity Day | Public holiday across Pakistan |
| 6 Feb 2026 | Friday | Basant Festival | Lahore only (local holiday) |
| 7 Feb 2026 | Saturday | Weekend / Basant | Most schools and offices closed |
| 8 Feb 2026 | Sunday | Weekly Off | Nationwide weekly holiday |
| 18 Feb 2026 | Wednesday | Bank Holiday (Zakat) | Banks closed only (moon-sighting dependent) |
Which Offices and Institutions Will Remain Closed
The public holiday applies broadly across sectors to ensure uniform observance.
Government Offices
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All federal government offices will remain closed
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All provincial government departments will remain closed
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Attached departments, autonomous bodies, and local councils are included
Routine government operations will resume on the next working day.
Educational Institutions
On February 5, 2026:
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Schools (public and private) will remain closed
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Colleges will remain closed
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Universities will remain closed
This applies across all provinces and regions, ensuring clarity for students, parents, and academic staff.
Private Sector Offices
Unlike some optional holidays, Kashmir Solidarity Day is widely observed:
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Most private offices and businesses will remain closed
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Corporate offices, factories, and commercial establishments generally follow the national holiday
However, essential services and emergency operations may continue as per internal arrangements.
Banks and Financial Markets
The holiday also affects the financial sector.
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All banks will remain closed for public dealings
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Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) will remain closed
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Interbank and trading activities will be suspended for the day
Customers are advised to plan banking transactions in advance.
How This Holiday Creates Extended Breaks in Some Regions
While February 5 is a single-day national holiday, its timing connects with other regional decisions, creating longer breaks in some areas.
Sindh: Two-Day Break for Students
In Sindh:
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February 4 is observed as a holiday for Shab-e-Barat in the education sector
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February 5 is Kashmir Solidarity Day
As a result, students in Sindh enjoy two consecutive holidays, even though government offices largely follow the national holiday schedule only on February 5.
Punjab (Lahore): Longer Weekend Effect
In parts of Punjab, especially Lahore, the situation is slightly different due to local administrative decisions.
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February 4: Shab-e-Barat holiday
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February 5: Kashmir Solidarity Day (national holiday)
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February 6: Local holiday linked to Basant-related arrangements
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February 7–8: Weekend
This alignment creates a longer break of several days for many educational institutions and offices in the city, depending on sector-specific notices.
What Citizens Should Keep in Mind
To avoid confusion:
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Confirm reopening dates with your office or institution
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Complete banking tasks before February 5
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Follow official announcements rather than social media rumors
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Remember that emergency and essential services may operate
Planning ahead helps prevent inconvenience.
Why Kashmir Solidarity Day Is Observed as a National Holiday
Kashmir Solidarity Day holds strong symbolic importance in Pakistan. Declaring it a national holiday allows citizens to:
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Participate in official and community events
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Reflect on the humanitarian situation in Kashmir
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Express unity at a national level
The day is marked by messages, ceremonies, and peaceful observances across the country. Public Holiday.
Conclusion
The Government of Pakistan’s announcement of a public holiday on Thursday, 5 February 2026, confirms that all government offices, educational institutions, banks, and most private offices will remain closed nationwide for Kashmir Solidarity Day. With additional provincial and local holidays around the same period, many citizens will experience extended breaks.
For accurate planning, always rely on official notifications and institutional notices. This nationwide holiday ensures uniform observance of an important national day while giving citizens clarity well in advance.
