The federal government has announced a nationwide public holiday on Monday, November 9, 2026, to mark Allama Iqbal Day, ending uncertainty over whether government offices and educational institutions will remain closed.
According to the Cabinet Division’s 2026 holiday schedule, November 9 will be observed as a public holiday across Pakistan to commemorate the birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The Punjab government has also issued a separate notification confirming the holiday throughout the province
The announcement means employees and students who already have Saturday and Sunday off can enjoy a three-day break from November 7 to 9. Government offices and educational institutions are expected to remain closed on Monday, while normal activities will resume on Tuesday, November 10. Private organisations and essential services may follow their respective arrangements.
Allama Iqbal Day is observed every year on November 9 to honour the poet and philosopher, who was born on the same date in 1877 in Sialkot. His poetry and philosophical contributions played an important role in shaping the intellectual foundations of the Pakistan Movement.
