Pakistan announces nationwide public holiday for Iqbal Day

The government of Pakistan has announced a nationwide public holiday on Monday, November 9, 2026, to mark the 149th birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the national poet known as the ‘Poet of the East.’

The federal Cabinet Division issued a notification confirming the holiday for all federal and provincial departments, including banks, workplaces, and educational institutions. In Punjab, the Services and General Administration Department issued a corresponding provincial notification to ensure implementation across the region.

Because November 9 falls on a Monday, employees and students who observe a standard Saturday and Sunday weekend will benefit from a three-day long weekend. Normal operations in government and business sectors are expected to resume on Tuesday, November 10.