As Shab-e-Barat approaches, people across Pakistan are looking for one clear answer: is it an official holiday, and who will actually remain closed? With schools, offices, banks, and travel plans all depending on government notifications, clarity is essential. For Wednesday, February 4, 2026, provincial authorities have now issued formal notifications, removing much of the confusion.
This article provides a clear, verified, and region-wise explanation of the official Shab-e-Barat holiday status in Pakistan, what is confirmed, what is optional, and what people should expect next.
What Is the Official Status of Shab-e-Barat Holiday in Pakistan
Shab-e-Barat on February 4, 2026, is not a nationwide gazetted holiday, but several provinces have announced official closures under their own authority. This means the holiday status varies by region and by institution type, rather than being uniform across the country.
Provincial departments have issued notifications covering government offices, schools, and colleges, while federal offices and banks follow a different schedule.
Punjab: Province-Wide Official Public Holiday
Punjab has declared a full public holiday for Shab-e-Barat.
The Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) has issued a formal notification confirming that on Wednesday, February 4, 2026:
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All provincial government offices will remain closed
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Autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies under Punjab will be closed
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Local councils will not operate
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Public and private schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed
This applies across all districts of Punjab, leaving no room for district-level variation. For residents of Punjab, Shab-e-Barat is officially recognized as a full public holiday.
Sindh: Education Holiday Confirmed
In Sindh, the holiday status is specific to educational institutions.
The School Education and Literacy Department has officially confirmed that:
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All public and private schools will remain closed
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Colleges and educational institutions will observe the holiday
However, unlike Punjab:
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Government offices in Sindh are expected to operate normally
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The holiday does not extend to all provincial departments
This makes Shab-e-Barat an education-only holiday in Sindh, not a full public shutdown.
Federal Areas and Islamabad: Optional Holiday
In Islamabad (ICT) and federal departments, Shab-e-Barat does not carry mandatory holiday status.
Key points for federal areas:
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Most federal offices will remain open on February 4
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Banks will operate normally
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Some institutions may announce optional or internal leave, depending on management decisions
Citizens working in federal departments are advised to confirm directly with their offices, as optional holidays are not uniformly applied.
Banking Sector: What Is Officially Confirmed
An important point of confusion every year is whether banks close on Shab-e-Barat.
For February 4, 2026:
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The State Bank of Pakistan has not declared Shab-e-Barat a bank holiday
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Commercial bank branches will remain open
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Normal banking operations will continue
This applies nationwide, including Punjab, Sindh, and Islamabad.
What Happens the Very Next Day – February 5
While Shab-e-Barat itself is region-based, the following day brings a nationwide closure.
Kashmir Solidarity Day – Thursday, February 5, 2026
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This is a national gazetted holiday
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All government offices, schools, colleges, and universities will be closed
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Banks will also remain closed nationwide
As a result, even areas where Shab-e-Barat is optional will observe a full shutdown on February 5.
Why This Creates a Longer Break for Many People
Because February 5 is followed closely by the weekend, many citizens experience an extended break:
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February 4 (Wednesday): Shab-e-Barat (holiday in Punjab, education holiday in Sindh)
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February 5 (Thursday): Kashmir Solidarity Day (nationwide holiday)
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February 6–8: Weekend or weekly offs for many institutions
In some districts, especially in Punjab, this results in multiple consecutive days off, affecting travel plans, exams, and office schedules.
Common Confusion Cleared
Here are clear answers to common questions:
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Is Shab-e-Barat a national holiday?
No, it is provincial or optional, not gazetted nationwide. -
Are schools closed everywhere?
Yes in Punjab and Sindh; status may vary in federal areas. -
Are banks closed on February 4?
No, banks remain open. -
Are offices closed everywhere?
Only in Punjab. Sindh offices and federal offices generally remain open.
What Citizens Should Do Now
To avoid last-minute confusion:
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Check official notices from your department or institution
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Confirm bank timings if you plan transactions on February 4
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Students should verify reopening dates with their schools or colleges
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Avoid relying on social media rumors
Official notifications are the final authority.
Conclusion
The Official Shab-e-Barat Holiday Notification for February 4, 2026, confirms a full public holiday in Punjab, an education holiday in Sindh, and an optional status in federal areas, with banks remaining open nationwide. While Shab-e-Barat itself is not a national holiday, the following day’s Kashmir Solidarity Day ensures a complete nationwide closure on February 5.
Understanding these regional differences helps citizens plan work, study, travel, and religious observance with confidence and clarity.
