Punjab Government Announces Public Holiday on Shab-e-Barat 2026

The Punjab Government has officially announced a public holiday on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat 2026, bringing relief to millions of people across the province. The decision allows citizens to observe this important religious night with peace, devotion, and proper preparation, without the pressure of work or school the next day.

Shab-e-Barat is one of the most respected nights in the Islamic calendar. On this night, Muslims offer prayers, seek forgiveness, and remember their deceased loved ones. Keeping this religious importance in view, the Punjab Government issued a formal notification confirming a province-wide public holiday.

Key Holiday Details at a Glance

Point	Details
Occasion	Shab-e-Barat
Holiday Date	Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Applies In	Entire Punjab
Type	Public Holiday
Offices Closed	Government & Semi-Government
Schools Closed	Yes (Govt institutions)
Private Offices	Optional
Issuing Authority	Punjab Government (S&GAD)

This announcement helps families, students, and employees plan their religious activities in advance.

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Official Punjab Government Holiday Notification

The holiday notification was issued by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), Punjab. According to the notification, all provincial government offices will remain closed on 4 February 2026.

This holiday applies to all districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Sargodha, and other cities.

You can verify official notifications through Punjab Government platforms such as:
👉 https://punjab.gov.pk

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Offices and Institutions That Will Remain Closed

On the announced holiday, several institutions across Punjab will remain closed to ensure uniform implementation.

The following institutions are included:

All Punjab provincial government offices
Autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies
Government corporations
Local government offices
Government and semi-government schools and colleges
Public sector educational institutions

Private offices, factories, and businesses may decide their schedules independently, but many usually follow official public holidays.

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Who Benefits From This Public Holiday

This holiday directly impacts a large portion of the population in Punjab. It provides both religious and practical benefits.

The main groups affected include:

Government employees getting a full day off
Students and teachers in public institutions
Families planning Shab-e-Barat prayers together
Citizens visiting mosques, graveyards, and shrines

For many working individuals, this holiday removes stress and allows proper participation in religious practices.

Religious Importance of Shab-e-Barat in Punjab

Shab-e-Barat holds deep spiritual value for Muslims. It is believed to be a night of mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.

On this night, people usually:

Offer Nawafil (voluntary prayers)
Recite the Holy Quran
Pray for forgiveness of sins
Remember deceased family members
Visit graveyards peacefully

Having a public holiday the next day allows people to stay awake for worship without worrying about early work or school commitments.

Administrative and Security Arrangements

Due to increased public movement on Shab-e-Barat, the Punjab Government also directs departments to make proper arrangements.

Authorities are instructed to:

Manage crowds at mosques and graveyards
Ensure traffic flow near busy areas
Maintain law and order during night gatherings
Provide facilitation through local administration

These measures help ensure that religious activities remain safe and well-organized.

Public Response to the Holiday Announcement

The announcement has been welcomed by the public across Punjab. Many citizens appreciated the government’s decision, calling it timely and considerate.

Public reaction shows:

Relief among office workers
Appreciation from families and elders
Better planning for religious gatherings
Reduced confusion due to clear notification

Such announcements help avoid misinformation and last-minute uncertainty.

What Citizens Should Do Now

With the holiday confirmed, people are advised to plan responsibly.

Some practical steps include:

Confirm school or office schedules early
Plan travel in advance to avoid congestion
Follow local security instructions
Observe religious activities respectfully

Responsible planning ensures a peaceful environment for everyone.

Conclusion

The Punjab Government’s decision to announce a public holiday on Shab-e-Barat 2026 reflects respect for religious values and public convenience. With government offices and educational institutions closed on 4 February 2026, citizens across Punjab can observe this sacred night with devotion, peace, and family unity.

Clear notifications like this reduce confusion, support public safety, and help people plan better. Citizens are encouraged to stay updated through official sources and cooperate with authorities to ensure a calm and respectful observance of Shab-e-Barat.