Public and Optional Holidays in Pakistan for 2025

 Public and Optional Holidays in Pakistan for 2025

The Government of Pakistan has released the official list of public and optional holidays for the calendar year 2025. These holidays are designated to commemorate national events, religious festivals, and significant occasions for minorities. Here's a detailed breakdown of the holidays:

Public Holidays

Public holidays are applicable nationwide, providing everyone a day off to observe or celebrate. Below are the dates and occasions:

1. New Year’s Day: January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
2. Kashmir Day: February 5, 2025 (Wednesday)
3. Pakistan Day: March 23, 2025 (Sunday)
4. Eid-ul-Fitr: March 30, 31, and April 1, 2025 (Saturday to Monday)
5. Labour Day: May 1, 2025 (Thursday)
6. Youm-e-Takbeer: May 28, 2025 (Wednesday)
7. Eid-ul-Azha: June 7, 8, and 9, 2025 (Saturday to Monday)
8. Ashura: July 5 and 6, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday)
10. Independence Day: August 14, 2025 (Thursday)
11. Eid Milad-un-Nabi: September 5 or 6, 2025 (Friday or Saturday)
12. Allama Iqbal Day: November 9, 2025 (Sunday)
13. Quaid-e-Azam Day/Christmas: December 25, 2025 (Thursday)
14. Day after Christmas: December 26, 2025 (Friday, for Christians only)

1. Bank Holidays

   Banks will remain closed for the public but open for employees on the following dates:

• January 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
• March 1, 2025 (Saturday)
• July 1, 2025 (Tuesday)

  Optional Holidays

  Optional holidays allow individuals to take leave based on their religious or cultural preferences. However, prior approval from the head of the organization is required, and work should not be disrupted. Below are the notable optional holidays for 2025:

1. Shab-e-Meraj: February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
2. Shivaratri: February 14, 2025 (Friday)
3. Holi: March 13, 2025 (Thursday)
4. Good Friday: April 18, 2025 (Friday)
5. Easter: April 20 and 21, 2025 (Sunday and Monday)
6. Diwali: October 20, 2025 (Monday)
7. Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji: November 15, 2025 (Saturday)

Important Notes

1. Moon-Dependent Holidays: Muslim holidays like Eid and Ashura are based on lunar sightings, and the exact dates may vary. A separate notification will confirm these dates.
2. Permission for Optional Holidays: Government employees are allowed up to three optional holidays annually. However, this must not affect organizational workflows.

Significance of These Holidays

These holidays reflect Pakistan's rich cultural and religious diversity, accommodating celebrations for Muslims and various minority communities, including Christians, Hindus, Bahá'ís, Sikhs, and Buddhists.

Conclusion

The 2025 holiday schedule ensures ample opportunities for Pakistanis to celebrate important cultural and religious events. It also facilitates better work-life balance while maintaining workplace efficiency.

Let us know how you plan to make the most of these holidays in 2025!..