Public holidays in Pakistan facts for kids

Public holidays are special days when most people in Pakistan get time off from work or school. These days are important for remembering big events in Pakistan's history or celebrating religious traditions. Some holidays are on the same date every year, while others change because they follow the Islamic lunar calendar.

Fixed Date Holidays

These holidays are celebrated on the same date each year.

Kashmir Solidarity Day

• Date: February 5
• This day shows support for the people of Kashmir. It's a way for Pakistanis to remember the ongoing situation there.

Pakistan Day

• Date: March 23
• This day celebrates a very important moment in Pakistan's history. It marks when the Lahore Resolution was passed in 1940. This resolution officially called for a separate nation for the Muslims of the British Indian Empire.

Labour Day

• Date: May 1
• Also known as May Day, this holiday celebrates workers and their rights. It's a day to appreciate everyone who works hard.

Independence Day

• Date: August 14
• This is a huge celebration in Pakistan! It marks the day Pakistan became an independent country from the United Kingdom on August 14, 1947. People celebrate with flags, parades, and fireworks.

Iqbal Day

• Date: November 9
• This day honors the birthday of Muhammad Iqbal. He was a famous poet and philosopher who inspired the idea of Pakistan.

Birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah / Christmas Day

• Date: December 25
• This day celebrates the birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He is known as the founder and father of Pakistan. It is also Christmas Day, celebrated by Christians in Pakistan.

Holidays Based on the Lunar Islamic Calendar

Some holidays follow the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar. This means their dates change each year compared to the regular calendar.

Eid ul-Adha

• Date: 10th and 11th of Dhul Hijja
• This holiday marks the end of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. It remembers the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son. People often sacrifice animals and share the meat with family, friends, and those in need.

Eid-ul-Fitr

• Date: 1st and 2nd of Shawwal
• This joyful holiday celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Families gather, share special meals, and exchange gifts.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi

• Date: 12th of Rabi`-ul-Awwal
• This day celebrates the birthday of the Islamic Prophet, Muhammad. People hold special gatherings and prayers to remember his life and teachings.

Ashura

• Date: 9th and 10th of Muharram
• This day remembers the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, a very important figure in Islam. It is a day of mourning and reflection for many.

Shab-e-Miraj

• Date: 27th of Rajab
• This night commemorates the miraculous journey of Prophet Muhammad to the heavens. It is a time for special prayers and devotion.

Former Holidays (Now National Days)

These days were once public holidays but are now observed as "National Days." This means they are still important days to remember, but people usually don't get a day off work or school.

Defence Day

• Date: September 6
• This day marks the official start of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. It honors the sacrifices of the Pakistani armed forces.

Death Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

• Date: September 11
• This day remembers the death of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.

Other National Days

Several other days are observed as national days without being public holidays:

• May 28 - Youm-e-Takbir: This day celebrates when Pakistan became a nuclear power.
• September 7 - Air Force Day (Youm-e-Fizaia): This day honors the Pakistani Air Force.
• September 8 - Victory Day/Navy Day (Youm-e-Bahria): This day celebrates the Pakistani Navy.
• October 16 - Death anniversary of Liaquat Ali Khan: This day remembers Pakistan's first Prime Minister.
• October 24 - Azad Kashmir Day (Youm-e-Kashmir): This day is observed in Azad Kashmir.
• Youm-e-Babul Islam is observed in Pakistan to honor Muhammad bin Qasim. He was an Arab general who arrived in Sindh (part of modern-day Pakistan) a long time ago.