Kashmir Day holiday to create long weekend in several provinces

The federal government has announced a nationwide public holiday on February 5, 2026, in observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day, according to an official notification.

The decision is expected to result in an extended holiday period in several parts of the country.

The break will effectively begin on February 4, as the Sindh government has already declared a holiday in educational institutions across the province on account of Shab-e-Barat.

In a notification issued on January 30, the Sindh School Education Department said all public and private educational institutions would remain closed on 15 Shaban 1447 AH, corresponding to February 4, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has also announced holidays on February 6 and 7 to mark Basant celebrations.

In a post on social media platform X, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the province would observe a long weekend starting with Kashmir Day on February 5, followed by Basant holidays on February 6 and 7, and the regular weekend on February 8.

The combined announcements are expected to provide an extended break for many across the country.