Public Holidays in Pakistan in 2023
Countless factors can evoke excitement as a new year. Still, only some things rival the delight of having an updated array of public holidays. These special occasions, whether rooted in national significance or religious observances, feel like a precious gift of a day off from work and educational institutions. So, what are you waiting for? Bring out your calendars and mark all the public holidays in Pakistan for 2023, which will be observed at the federal and provincial levels.
List of Public Holidays in Pakistan 2023
A few holidays are observed in an entire country, such as Kashmir Day and Independence Day. In contrast, a few holidays are observed in specific provinces only. For instance, the martyr day of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is celebrated as a holiday in Sindh only.
| Occassion | Date | Day | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Kashmir Day | 5 February | Sunday | |
| 2. Pakistan Resolution Day | 23 March | Thursday | |
| 3. Eid-ul-Fitr | 22, 23, & 24 April | Saturday to Monday | |
| 4. Labor Day | 1st May | Monday | |
| 5. Eid-ul-Adha | 29, 30 June & 1st July | Thursday to Saturday | |
| 6. Ashura | 27 & 28 July | Thursday to Friday | |
| 7. Independence Day | 14 August | Monday | |
| 8. Jashn-e-Milad-ul-Nabi | 28 September | Thursday | |
| 9. Iqbal Day (Iqbal Birthday) | 9 November | Thursday | |
| 10. Quaid-e-Azam Day (Quaid Birthday) | 25 December | Monday |
The specified days mentioned above for Islamic Public Holidays in Pakistan 2023 are subject to change. The date varies due to the lunar cycle. However, keep checking back to get the latest updates and information.
Now let’s have a detailed look into the significance of the National Holidays celebrated in Pakistan:
Kashmir Solidarity Day – 5th February
Kashmir Day, or Kashmir Solidarity Day, is observed as a national holiday in Pakistan. It is an internationally recognized day to show solidarity for the people of occupied Kashmir who are facing brutality, oppression, and injustice they are facing against their fight for freedom.
On the day, many rallies are organized by public and private organizations to show unity and solidarity with the people of Kashmir. In the Year 2023, the day has fallen on Sunday.
Pakistan Resolution Day – 23rd March
Pakistan Day or Pakistan Resolution Day is observed as a public holiday all over Pakistan to commemorate the resolution day of Pakistan, which was passed on 23rd March 1940. The day is celebrated with full enthusiasm and patriotic fervor in Pakistan.
On occasion, Pakistan Day Parade is organized on a majestic scale with the collaboration of the Armed Forces and the Government of Pakistan. 23rd March fall on Thursday this year. The day was the same as the first day of Ramadan in 2023.
A national monument was constructed in Greater Iqbal Park in Lahore (formerly Manto Park Lahore) to commemorate the day. The structure was built exactly at the location where the resolution was passed in 1940. The structure is famously known as Minar-e-Pakistan, and it is one of the significant landmarks of the nation.
Labor Day – 1st May
Labor Day is an internationally recognized day that is observed to recognize, celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and efforts of laborers worldwide working for construction and development.
The day is also known as International Worker’s Day and Workers’ Day. 1st May is observed as a public holiday in Pakistan, like in several countries worldwide. The day has fallen on Monday as per the 2023 calendar. Hence, people enjoyed a long weekend this year!
Eid Holidays
Eid Holidays are observed twice in the year (eid-ul-fitr and Eid-ul-Adha). Both holidays are celebrated according to the lunar cycle. The festive occasion of eid-ul-fitr fell on 22nd April t 24th April, and eid-ul-Adha was celebrated on 29 and 30 June and 1st July. Both holidays fell near weekends, and people enjoyed almost a week-long holiday.
Ashura Holidays
The holidays are observed on Ashoora, the 9th, and 10th of Muharram. The holiday is also subject to the lunar cycle, and it might fall on 27 and 28 July 2023, i.e., (Thursday and Friday).
The day is observed to commemorate the event of the Martyr of Karbala, i.e., Imam Hassan (R.A.) and Hussain (R.A.), along with their companions. The day is the biggest religious event after Eid in the Shia community, and the Pakistan government issued a two-day holiday in reverence for the great sacrifice to the Shia community (specifically).
The Holy Day is observed by numerous religious processions and rallies conducted and organized by Shia and Sunni communities in Pakistan and various countries worldwide. In Pakistan, the authorities take certain actions, such as turning off mobile signals, road blockages, etc., to maintain the safety and security of the processions and rallies.
Independence Day of Pakistan – 14th August
Independence Day of Pakistan is a significant public holiday in Pakistan observed to commemorate the efforts of people who worked and sacrificed for an independent Muslim State. 14 August reminds us of the day when Muslims of the region emerged as an independent and sovereign independent country.
The day is celebrated with patriotic fervor; the streets, roads, and government buildings are decorated with flags and lights. Various functions, seminars, and events are organized throughout the country. The events and celebrations are held by the public and private sectors. Moreover, everyone celebrates the day with great enthusiasm, decorates their houses, and celebrates with friends and family.
Jashn-e-Milad-ul-Nabi
The Day is celebrated on Milad ul- Nabi on the 12th Rabi ul-awal. It is an Islamic month in the Hijri Calendar. Like all other Islamic public holidays, it is also the subject of the lunar cycle. The day might fall on 28 September 2023 (Thursday).
The occasion is celebrated to mark the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم . The rallies and processions are held on the day by the Sunni Muslim community worldwide. The cities in Pakistan are illuminated with lights, and streets and roads are decorated with colorful flags. Sweets and tasty dishes are distributed to make the holy day more special.
Quaid-e-Azam Day – 25th December
The day is celebrated on the birth date of the Father of Nation to pay him tribute by all. Many events and programs are organized on the day to pay homage to the Father of The Nation, and people of all ages celebrate it and remember his sacrifices and hardships for Pakistan’s creation.
Regional/ Provincial Holidays in Pakistan
Provinces, particularly Sindh, observe few regional and provincial holidays. The holidays include:
- Death Anniversary of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on 4th April
- Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai on 30 and 31st August.
- Death Anniversary of Benazir Bhutto on 27th December.
In Gilgit Baltistan, the regional holidays celebrated apart from national and public holidays are:
- Gilgit Baltistan Independence Day on 1st Nov
Holidays celebrated by Minorities in Pakistan are:
- Holi Holidays in Sindh on 7 and 8 March
- Christmas holiday on 25th December
Let’s Summarize:
Now that you have complete detail about public holidays in Pakistan 2023, it’s time for us to say goodbye for now! Stay in touch with us to stay updated on the latest information. Bookmark our blog page and keep checking for informative reading pieces.
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