The federal government has declared Monday, November 9, a nationwide public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, giving millions of Pakistanis an extended weekend.
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 Allama Iqbal Day will be observed as a public holiday across Pakistan.
The announcement means employees who already have Sunday off will enjoy an extended weekend, while those observing both Saturday and Sunday as weekly holidays will have three consecutive days off from November 7 to November 9.
November 9 Declared Public Holiday Across Pakistan
According to the Cabinet Division’s notification, the public holiday will apply to federal ministries, government departments and other relevant institutions across the country.
The notification has also been circulated to provincial governments and concerned authorities to ensure implementation of the holiday arrangement.
With November 9 falling on a Monday, the announcement provides an additional day off for employees whose regular weekly holidays include Sunday.
Employees working in organisations that operate on Saturdays will have Sunday and Monday off, while those following a Saturday-Sunday weekend will enjoy a three-day break.
Why Is November 9 a Public Holiday in Pakistan?
Pakistan observes Allama Iqbal Day every year on November 9 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, one of the most influential poets, philosophers and intellectual figures.
Born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot, Iqbal played an important role in shaping Muslim political and intellectual thought in the subcontinent.
His poetry and philosophical writings inspired generations of Muslims and contributed to the intellectual foundations of the Pakistan Movement.
Often recognised as the national poet of Pakistan, Iqbal is remembered for his messages of self-respect, individual development, unity and collective progress.
Who Will Get the November 9 Holiday?
The nationwide holiday will provide a break for employees in government institutions and other organisations observing the official public holiday.
The weekend schedule will be as follows:
- Saturday, November 7: Regular weekly holiday for organisations observing a Saturday-Sunday weekend.
- Sunday, November 8: Weekly holiday.
- Monday, November 9: Nationwide public holiday for Allama Iqbal Day.
Employees whose organisations operate on Saturdays will receive Sunday and Monday off, subject to their workplace holiday arrangements.
Government Issues Official Notification
The Cabinet Division has circulated the notification to federal ministries, provincial governments and other relevant institutions.
The announcement confirms November 9 as a public holiday to commemorate Allama Iqbal’s contribution to the intellectual, philosophical and political history of Pakistan.
The day will provide an opportunity for educational institutions, government organisations and the public to remember the life, poetry and legacy of the national poet.
