Web Desk: Federal government has declared Wednesday, Aug. 26, a public holiday across the country to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The government issued the notification after the expected date of 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal was determined based on the Islamic lunar calendar and moon-sighting process.
The official 2026 holiday calendar had initially listed Aug. 25 as the public holiday for Eid Milad-un-Nabi. However, the final date depended on the sighting of the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department had earlier said the new moon was unlikely to be visible on the evening of Aug. 13. Based on its astronomical assessment, Rabi-ul-Awwal 1 was expected to fall on Aug. 15, making 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal Aug. 26.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee subsequently determined the Islamic date after reviewing moon-sighting reports, paving the way for the government’s holiday notification.
The Aug. 26 holiday adds to a month that already offers several opportunities for extended breaks.
Pakistan observed Independence Day on Friday, Aug. 14. For employees whose regular weekly holidays fall on Saturday and Sunday, the national holiday created a three-day break from Aug. 14 to Aug. 16.
With the addition of the Eid Milad-un-Nabi holiday, Pakistanis have several opportunities during August to plan family gatherings, short trips and other activities.
When federal holidays are combined with regular Saturday and Sunday weekends, Pakistanis could have as many as 12 days off during August 2026.
The calculation includes two public holidays, Independence Day and Eid Milad-un-Nabi, along with 10 regular weekend days.
However, the actual number of days off will vary depending on individual work schedules, particularly for employees whose weekly holidays do not fall on Saturday and Sunday.
For many families, the combination of public holidays and weekends makes August one of the more favorable months of the year for short vacations and domestic travel.
