F.No. 10-1/2024-Min-II
23-December-2024
Cabinet Division, Cabinet Secretariat, Government Of Pakistan
2025 Holiday Schedule Released: Public and Optional Holidays for National and Religious Observances:
The Government of Pakistan, through the Cabinet Secretariat, has released the official list of public and optional holidays for the year 2025. This circular, dated December 23, 2024, outlines the holidays marking national significance, cultural festivals, and religious observances for Muslims and minorities across the country. The notification ensures that citizens and government departments are informed of the days designated for observance, facilitating planning and coordination throughout the year. Public holidays include occasions such as Kashmir Day, Pakistan Day, and Independence Day, alongside religious festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, and Ashura, which are subject to the sighting of the moon. Additionally, optional holidays cater to the diverse cultural and religious communities in Pakistan, allowing individuals to celebrate occasions like Diwali, Christmas, Holi, and Shab-e-Barat. This comprehensive framework underscores the government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and respect for cultural and religious diversity within Pakistan. Notification Describes;
F.No. 10-1/2024-Min-II
GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
CABINET SECRETARIAT
CABINET DIVISION
Islamabad, the 23rd December, 2024
CIRCULAR
Subject :- Â Â Â Â Â PUBLIC AND OPTIONAL HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR 2025
The public and optional holidays on days of national significance and festivals of Muslims and minorities in Pakistan for the calendar year 2025 would be as under :-
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
| Sr. No. | Name of Occasion | Days | Dates during year 2025 |
| 1 | Kashmir Day | Wednesday | 5th February, 2025 |
| 2 | Pakistan Day | Sunday | 23rd March, 2025 |
| 3* | Eid-ul-Fitr (1″ Shawal 1446 A.H.) | Sunday, Monday & Tuesday | 30th, 31st March and 1st April, 2025 |
| 4 | Labour Day | Thursday | 1st May, 2025 |
| 5 | Youm-e-Takbeer | Wednesday | 28th May, 2025 |
| 6* | Eid-ul-Azha (10th Zil Haj 1446 A.H.) | Saturday, Sunday and Monday | 7th, 8th & 9th June, 2025 |
| 7* | Ashura (9 & 10h Moharram 1447 A.H.) | Saturday & Sunday | 5th & 6th July, 2025 |
| 8 | Independence Day | Thursday | 14th August, 2025 |
| 9* | Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12 Rabi-ul- Awwal 1447 A.H) | Friday or Saturday | 5th or 6th September, 2025 |
| 10 | Allama Iqbal Day | Sunday | 9th November, 2025 |
| 11 | Quaid-e-Azam Day/ Christmas | Thursday | 25th December, 2025 |
| 12 | Day after Christmas | Friday | 26th December, 2025 (For Christians only) |
The following will be bank holidays. However, on these days the Banks/DFIs/MFBs will remain closed for public but NOT for their employees:
| Sr. No. | Day/ Date |
| 1. | 1st January, 2025 (Wednesday) |
| 2.* | 1st March, 2025 (Saturday) corresponding to 1st Ramazan 1446 A.H. for deduction of Zakat(subject to appearance of moon) |
| 3. | 1st July, 2025 (Tuesday) |
OPTIONAL HOLIDAYS
| Sr.No. | Name of Occasion | Days | Dates during year 2025 |
| 1 | New Year’s Day | Wednesday | 1st January, 2025 |
| 2* | Shab-e-Meraj (27 Rajab 1446 A H) | Tuesday | 28th January, 2025 |
| 3 | Basant Punchami | Sunday | 2nd February, 2025 |
| 4* | Shab-e-Barat (15 Shaban 1446 A.H) | Friday | 14th February, 2025 |
| 5 | Shivaratri | Wednesday | 26th February, 2025 |
| 6 | Holi | Thursday | 13th March, 2025 |
| 7 | Dulhandi | Friday | 14th March, 2025 |
| 8 | BaiÅŸakhi | Sunday | 13th April, 2025 |
| 9 | Good Friday | Friday | 18th April, 2025 |
| 10 | Easter/ Day After Easter Sunday | Sunday & Monday | 20th & 21st April, 2025 |
| 11 | Eid-e-Rizwan (Bahai’s Community only) | Monday | 21st April, 2025 |
| 12 | Buddha Purnima | Monday | 12th May, 2025 |
| 13 | Nauroze (Parsi New Year’s Day) | Friday | 15th August, 2025 |
| 14 | Chehlum (20h Safar 1447 AH) | Friday | 15th August, 2025 |
| 15* | Krishna Janam Ashtami | Saturday | 16th August, 2025 |
| 16 | Birthday of Lord Zoroaster (Khordad Sal) | Wednesday | 20th August, 2025 |
| 17 | Durga Puja | Tuesday | 30th September, 2025 |
| 18 | Dussehra | Thursday | 2nd October, 2025 |
| 19* | Giyarvee Shareef (11th Rabi- us-Sani 1447 A.H) | Saturday | 4th October, 2025 |
| 20 | Birthday of Guru Valmik Sawami Ji | Tuesday | 7th October, 2025 |
| 21 | Diwali | Monday | 20th October, 2025 |
| 22 | Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji | Wednesday | 5th November, 2025 |
*Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â In case of Muslim festivals, the dates of holidays are based on anticipated dates and are subject to appearance of moon for which a separate notification will be issued by the Cabinet Division.
3.         No optional holiday shall be granted to any government servant without prior permission of the Head of the Organization and no government servant shall be granted more than one optional holiday in the case of Muslims and three optional holidays for non-Muslims in a calendar year.
4.        The grant of this concession should not result in any dislocation of work. In the case of Muslim optional holidays, the number of persons permitted to avail optional holidays should be regulated in a manner so that adequate staff is available for proper continuance of the work. The optional holidays are denominational and may be allowed at the discretion of the Head of the Organization, provided that work does not suffer.
5.          A government servant should not ordinarily be refused an optional holiday that is of religious significance.
Cabinet Secretary
The Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department,
Islamabad
Conclusion:
The issuance of the 2025 holiday schedule not only provides clarity and structure for government employees and institutions but also emphasizes Pakistan’s dedication to acknowledging and celebrating its rich cultural and religious diversity. By distinguishing between public and optional holidays, the government allows individuals and communities to honor their traditions without disrupting the functioning of public services. The guidelines within the notification ensure that the granting of optional holidays maintains operational continuity across departments, reflecting a balanced approach to work and cultural observance. This initiative plays a vital role in promoting harmony and mutual respect among Pakistan’s diverse population while ensuring the smooth functioning of administrative and professional responsibilities. Government servants and the public are encouraged to utilize this schedule responsibly and in alignment with organizational policies, fostering a cohesive and inclusive environment throughout the year.
For more information, clarification or any other question feel free to join our WhatsApp Group. We are a supportive community where members are committed to assisting one another.
