ISLAMABAD: The federal government has confirmed a nationwide public holiday on Monday, November 9, 2026, to mark the birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
The holiday will be observed across Pakistan, with government offices and banks remaining closed. Educational institutions in several provinces have also confirmed their participation in the holiday.
The announcement will allow employees and students who follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend to enjoy three consecutive days off.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially confirmed that it will remain closed on November 9 in observance of Allama Iqbal Day. The central bank issued a circular on November 3, informing banks, development finance institutions and microfinance banks about the closure.
The Punjab government has also confirmed the November 9 holiday, while the Sindh School Education and Literacy Department has announced that public and private schools across the province will remain closed.
In Punjab, the school holiday has been communicated to district education authorities for implementation. Sindh’s decision follows recommendations made during a meeting of the provincial Education Steering Committee.
The holiday arrangements mean that students and employees in the affected institutions will have an additional day off at the beginning of the week.
The November 9 holiday schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, November 7: Weekly holiday for employees following a Saturday-Sunday weekend.
- Sunday, November 8: Regular weekly holiday.
- Monday, November 9: Nationwide public holiday for Iqbal Day.
- Tuesday, November 10: Normal working activities expected to resume.
However, employees working on Saturdays or in organisations with different weekly schedules may not receive a three-day break. Essential services may also continue operating according to their arrangements.
Allama Iqbal Day is observed every year on November 9 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877.
The year 2026 marks his 149th birth anniversary. Iqbal is widely recognised as the Poet of the East and remains one of the most influential literary and philosophical figures in South Asian history.
His poetry and philosophical writings promoted self-respect, education, unity and intellectual development. His ideas also played an important role in shaping the political thinking that contributed to the Pakistan Movement.
Iqbal’s literary contributions continue to hold a special place in Pakistan’s national identity, with educational and cultural organisations traditionally arranging programmes to remember his achievements.
With the November 9 holiday confirmed, citizens planning visits to government departments, schools or bank branches should complete their necessary work before Monday.
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Regular government, banking and educational activities are expected to resume on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, according to the respective institutions’ schedules.
