The Government of Pakistan has officially declared a closed holiday within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) today, Friday, December 26, 2025. The Cabinet Division issued this directive in an official notification.
This fresh notification supersedes the previous clarification dated December 24, 2025. Consequently, the Pakistan Secretariat and all Federal Government establishments located within ICT are closed for the day. Reports indicate this administrative decision facilitates the high-profile visit of the UAE President to the capital.
While federal offices pause operations, the Cabinet Secretariat explicitly exempted vital sectors to ensure public convenience. Therefore, life in the capital will not come to a complete standstill.
The following institutions and services remain OPEN today:
- Hospitals
- Banks
- Offices of Essential Services
- Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI)
- Capital Development Authority (CDA)
- ICT Administration & ICT Police
- Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)
- Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL)
Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal signed the official notification issued on December 25, 2025. The document orders wide publicity through print and electronic media to inform citizens immediately.
Citizens planning to visit government offices today should reschedule their tasks. However, those requiring banking, medical, or utility services can proceed as usual.
Previously, the Federal Government had rejected rumours regarding an Islamabad holiday, clarifying that all the offices will remain open on Friday, December 26, 2025.
