Pakistan Public Holidays

Pakistan Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Pakistan? All public holidays in Pakistan are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Pakistan employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Pakistan and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Pakistan, a country rich in cultural, religious, and historical traditions, celebrates a number of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays range from religious observances that are deeply ingrained in the lives of its people to national events that commemorate the country’s history and its journey towards independence. According to ebizdir.net, the public holidays in Pakistan offer citizens a chance to reflect on their history, celebrate their faith, and spend time with loved ones. Below is an overview of the major public holidays in Pakistan, their significance, and the traditions associated with each.

Eid-ul-Fitr (Dates Vary)

Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most important religious holidays in Pakistan, marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. After a month of fasting, Muslims celebrate this day as a time of joy, charity, and community.

Significance

• Eid-ul-Fitr is the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” and occurs on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar.
• It is a day of thanksgiving to Allah for the strength to complete the fast and a day of charity to help the less fortunate.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Muslims begin the day with the special Eid prayer held in large congregations at mosques or open spaces.
• Zakat al-Fitr (charity) is given to the needy before the prayers to ensure everyone can participate in the festivities.
• Families and friends gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and celebrate together. Traditional dishes like sivaiyan (sweet vermicelli) are prepared.
• New clothes are worn, and homes are decorated to mark the joyous occasion.

Eid-ul-Adha (Dates Vary)

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is the second of two major Islamic holidays celebrated in Pakistan. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.

Significance

• Eid-ul-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
• It honors the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith and his ultimate obedience to God’s command.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Muslims begin the day with the Eid prayer, followed by the ritual of Qurbani (animal sacrifice), where livestock such as goats, cows, and camels are sacrificed in remembrance of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
• The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor.
• Families gather for meals, and the day is spent in prayer, charity, and celebration.

Pakistan Day (March 23)

Pakistan Day commemorates the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940, which called for the creation of an independent state for Muslims in British India, ultimately leading to the formation of Pakistan.

Historical Significance

• The Lahore Resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution, was passed on March 23, 1940, by the All-India Muslim League, under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
• This day is a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history, marking the beginning of the struggle for an independent Muslim state.

Celebrations and Traditions

• Pakistan Day is observed with a military parade in Islamabad, showcasing the country’s armed forces and military strength.
• The President of Pakistan addresses the nation, honoring those who contributed to the independence movement.
• Schools, government institutions, and media outlets hold events and programs to reflect on Pakistan’s journey to independence.

Independence Day (August 14)

Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 14 to mark Pakistan’s independence from British colonial rule in 1947. It is one of the most important national holidays in the country, filled with patriotic fervor.

Historical Significance

• On August 14, 1947, Pakistan was established as an independent nation following the partition of British India. Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the country’s first Governor-General.
• The creation of Pakistan fulfilled the demand for a separate homeland for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.

Celebrations and Traditions

• The day begins with a flag-raising ceremony at the national monuments, including the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi (the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah).
• Military parades, cultural programs, and fireworks displays are held in major cities across the country.
• Streets, buildings, and homes are decorated with green and white lights, the colors of the Pakistani flag, while citizens wear traditional clothes and display the flag with pride.

Ashura (Dates Vary)

Ashura is a significant day in the Islamic calendar, particularly for Shia Muslims in Pakistan. It marks the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, and commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

Religious Significance

• For Shia Muslims, Ashura represents the ultimate sacrifice and the struggle for justice against tyranny, as exemplified by Imam Hussain’s stand against the Umayyad caliph, Yazid.
• For Sunni Muslims, the day is marked by fasting in remembrance of significant historical events, such as the saving of Moses and the Israelites from the Pharaoh.

Traditions and Observances

• Processions: Shia Muslims hold processions, where participants reenact the events of Karbala through symbolic rituals of mourning. These processions are most prominent in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
• Majlis: Religious gatherings (majlis) are held, where religious leaders recount the story of Karbala and highlight the significance of Imam Hussain’s martyrdom.
• Ashura is a solemn occasion, with participants often observing fasts or engaging in acts of charity.

Labour Day (May 1)

Labour Day in Pakistan, also known as International Workers’ Day, celebrates the contributions of workers and labor movements. It is a day to advocate for workers’ rights and better working conditions.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Labour unions and workers’ groups organize rallies and protests to demand fair wages, improved working conditions, and labor rights.
• Government officials and leaders address labor issues, and public events are held to highlight the importance of workers in the economy.
• Labour Day is a public holiday, and many workers take the day off to spend with family and friends.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Dates Vary)

Eid Milad-un-Nabi marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is a significant religious holiday in Pakistan. It is celebrated with both religious fervor and community activities.

Religious Significance

• Eid Milad-un-Nabi commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, who was born in Mecca in 570 AD. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet.
• The day is also an opportunity for Muslims to renew their commitment to the principles of Islam.

Celebrations and Traditions

• Processions and Parades: In cities across Pakistan, processions are held, where people carry banners and chant praises for the Prophet.
• Mosque Decorations: Mosques and homes are illuminated with lights, and special prayers are offered.
• Religious scholars deliver sermons on the life and character of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing the need for love, tolerance, and unity within the Muslim community.

Defence Day (September 6)

Defence Day commemorates Pakistan’s military defense during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. It honors the armed forces and their sacrifices in protecting the sovereignty of the country.

Historical Significance

• On September 6, 1965, Pakistan’s military successfully defended its borders against Indian forces during the war. The day is remembered as a symbol of the resilience and courage of Pakistan’s soldiers.

Observances and Celebrations

• Military Parades: Defence Day is marked with military parades, exhibitions of weapons, and air shows. The largest parade typically takes place in Islamabad.
• Tributes: The President, Prime Minister, and other officials lay wreaths at the graves of fallen soldiers and deliver speeches commemorating their bravery.
• Patriotic songs and documentaries on the armed forces are broadcast across the country.

Other Notable Public Holidays

Quaid-e-Azam Day (December 25)

• Quaid-e-Azam Day celebrates the birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who was born on December 25, 1876.
• On this day, citizens honor Jinnah’s vision, leadership, and contributions to the formation of Pakistan through public gatherings, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural programs.

Iqbal Day (November 9)

• Iqbal Day honors Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a philosopher, poet, and politician who played a key role in inspiring the Pakistan Movement. The day is marked by literary events, poetry recitations, and discussions about Iqbal’s works.