ISLAMABAD: As the first week of February approaches, uncertainty looms over whether a public holiday will be declared for Shab-e-Barat on 3rd Feb, 2026. As of now, neither the federal government nor any provincial administrations have issued an official notification regarding the closure of offices or educational institutions.
The Current Situation
Historically, Shab-e-Barat is not listed as a gazetted public holiday in Pakistan’s federal calendar. This means that any decision to close schools or offices rests entirely on individual provincial governments or specific sector notifications.
Looking Back: The Sindh Precedent
Last year, the Sindh Government took the lead by declaring a holiday specifically for educational institutions. This allowed students and faculty to observe the religious night, though the holiday did not extend to private businesses or federal government offices.
Currently, parents and educators in Sindh are waiting to see if the province will maintain this tradition for 2026.
Key Factors for the Decision
According to officials, several factors typically influence the announcement:
- Moon Sighting: Final dates are confirmed only after the sighting of the Sha’ban moon.
- Provincial Autonomy: Since it is not a federal holiday, provinces like Punjab, Sindh, KP, and Balochistan make independent calls.
- Last-Minute Timing: In previous years, notifications have been issued just a few days before the 15th of Sha’ban.
What This Means for You
Note: Unless a formal notification is released in the coming days, all schools, government offices, and private businesses are expected to maintain normal operating hours.
Shab-e-Barat remains one of the most significant religious occasions in Pakistan, marked by overnight prayers and visits to graveyards. While its spiritual importance is immense, it continues to be treated as an optional or sector-specific holiday rather than a mandatory national day off.
