The federal government has announced a nationwide public holiday on Monday, November 9, 2026, to mark the birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

The Cabinet Division issued an official notification on Wednesday, November 5, confirming that the holiday will be observed across Pakistan. Federal ministries, provincial governments and other relevant institutions have been informed about the decision.

The announcement means employees and citizens across the country will get a day off to commemorate Iqbal Day. Since November 9 falls on a Monday, the holiday will also provide an extended weekend for people who already have Sunday off.

Three Consecutive Holidays for Some Employees

The public holiday will create different weekend arrangements depending on the weekly working schedules of employees.

People whose workplaces remain closed on both Saturday and Sunday will enjoy three consecutive days off, starting November 7 and continuing until November 9.

Meanwhile, employees who are required to work on Saturdays will still get two consecutive holidays on Sunday and Monday.

The extended weekend may also provide families with an opportunity to make travel plans, spend time together and participate in activities marking the national occasion.

Why Is November 9 Observed as Iqbal Day?

Iqbal Day is observed every year on November 9 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Born on November 9, 1877, Allama Iqbal was a renowned poet, philosopher and political thinker whose work played an important role in inspiring the Pakistan Movement.

He is widely recognised for his poetry in Urdu and Persian, which focused on self-respect, unity, determination and the revival of the Muslim community.

His philosophical ideas and writings influenced political thinking among Muslims of the subcontinent and contributed to the intellectual foundation of the demand for a separate homeland.

Government Issues Official Holiday Notification

According to the announcement, the Cabinet Division has circulated the holiday notification to federal ministries, provincial governments and other relevant institutions.

The holiday will be observed nationwide on Monday, November 9, 2026.

Government employees and other workers covered by the public holiday notification will be able to observe the occasion without attending their regular duties.

The announcement has also confirmed the extended weekend arrangements for employees whose workplaces follow a Saturday and Sunday weekly holiday schedule.

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