Today News! Government of Pakistan Confirms 3-Day Holiday Official Announcement 2026

The Government of Pakistan has officially finalized the much-awaited Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 3-Day Holiday schedule, bringing a wave of joy to millions of students and employees across the country. According to the federal notification, citizens will enjoy a minimum of three public 3-Day Holiday from March 21st to March 23rd, perfectly aligning with the festive spirit and national pride of Pakistan Day. This official move ensures that families have ample time to travel to their hometowns and celebrate this sacred occasion with their loved ones without any work-related stress. Don’t wait until the last minute—check the complete schedule and plan your travel now to avoid the heavy rush at bus stands and airports.

Official Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 Holiday Schedule

Occasion	Confirmed Dates
1st Day of Eid	21 March 2026 (Saturday)
2nd Day of Eid	22 March 2026 (Sunday)
3rd Day of Eid	23 March 2026 (Monday)
Total Official Days	3-Day Holiday
Special Status	Combined with Pakistan Day

Federal Cabinet Division Notification 2026

The Cabinet Division has issued the circular for public and optional 3-Day Holiday for the year 2026, confirming that the Eid-ul-Fitr break will officially start on Saturday. Since the 23rd of March also marks Pakistan Day, the nation will witness a unique double celebration this year. This means government offices, educational institutions, and banks will remain strictly closed during this period. The notification has been circulated to all ministries and provincial governments to ensure a uniform implementation of the holiday calendar across Pakistan.

Will Schools and Offices Close Early?

Every year, the anticipation for Eid holidays leads to early closures in several sectors. Here is what you can expect during the 2026 3-Day Holiday period:

Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges are expected to close on Friday, March 20th, for a total 4-day long weekend.
Government Offices: All federal and provincial departments will remain shut from March 21st to March 23rd.
Banking Sector: Banks will be closed for public dealing, though ATM services and digital apps will remain active.
Private Sector: Most private companies follow the government schedule, but it is advised to check with your HR department.
Market Timings: Major markets usually close on the first day of Eid but reopen with heavy crowds on the second and third days.

Important Dates & Moon Sighting Update

Event	Expected Status
Ramadan Starts	18/19 February 2026
Shawwal Moon Sighting	Evening of 20 March 2026
First Day of Shawwal	21 March 2026 (Subject to Moon)
Pakistan Day	23 March 2026 (Monday)
Offices Reopen	24 March 2026 (Tuesday)

How to Verify Your 3-Day Holiday Status Online?

To avoid confusion or misinformation, the government has provided a digital portal where you can check the official gazetted holidays for the entire year of 2026.

Visit Official Link: Go to the Cabinet Division’s official website at cabinet.gov.pk.
Locate Circulars: Look for the “Public and Optional Holidays 2026” PDF document.
Check Religious Dates: Scroll down to the Muslim festivals section to find the confirmed Eid-ul-Fitr dates.
Stay Updated: Always keep an eye on the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s final announcement on the 29th of Ramadan.

Travel Advice for the 2026 Holiday Rush

Because the holidays fall on a weekend and include Pakistan Day, the travel demand is expected to be 40% higher than last year. Experts suggest booking your train or bus tickets at least 10 days in advance to avoid “Sold Out” status. Motorways will likely see heavy traffic starting from the night of Friday, March 20th. Ensure your vehicle is fit for the journey and check the National Highway & Motorway Police (NHMP) app for real-time traffic updates before leaving.

Key Traditions: What Makes Eid 2026 Special?

Eid-ul-Fitr is not just about holidays; it is a spiritual reward after a month of fasting.

Eid Prayers: Thousands will gather at Faisal Mosque and Badshahi Mosque for the morning congregational prayers.
Eidi Distribution: Elders will distribute cash gifts (Eidi) to children, a tradition that remains the highlight of the day.
Charity (Fitrana): It is mandatory to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr before the Eid prayer so the underprivileged can also celebrate.
Family Feasts: From Sheer Khurma to Biryani, Pakistani households will be filled with the aroma of traditional cuisines.

Conclusion

The 2026 Eid-ul-Fitr holidays offer a perfect opportunity for the nation to pause and reflect on the blessings of Ramadan while celebrating the foundation of the country on March 23rd. The official 3-day notification is a welcome relief for the public, ensuring a peaceful and organized festive season. Make sure to stay connected with official government channels for any last-minute changes based on the moon sighting.