The government has confirmed that Wednesday, August 26, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday across Pakistan on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi.
The holiday falls on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which marks an important date in the Islamic calendar and is observed across the country.
According to the Cabinet Division’s public holiday notification, the day has been designated as a public holiday in connection with Eid Milad-un-Nabi.
Why Was the Date Changed?
The Cabinet Division had initially listed August 25 as the holiday date in its 2026 public holiday notification.
However, the date was subsequently affected by the sighting of the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced that the moon for Rabi-ul-Awwal had not been sighted in Pakistan during the relevant meeting.
Following the committee’s decision, August 15 was declared the first day of Rabi-ul-Awwal.
As a result, the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal falls on August 26 instead of August 25.
Public Holiday on Wednesday
With the revised Islamic calendar, Wednesday, August 26, will therefore be observed as a public holiday throughout Pakistan.
Government offices and other institutions that follow the official public holiday schedule are expected to remain closed on the day.
The announcement provides clarity for citizens who had been uncertain about whether August 25 or August 26 would be observed as the holiday.
Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Confirms Date
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced the beginning of Rabi-ul-Awwal following a meeting held in Islamabad.
The meeting was chaired by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
The committee’s decision established August 15 as the first day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, determining the date of the 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal accordingly.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi will be observed across Pakistan on August 26, with religious activities and gatherings expected in different parts of the country.
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