May 2026 holidays create multiple long weekends across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: May 2026 is set to offer several extended holiday breaks in Pakistan, with Labour Day and expected Eid al-Adha dates aligning with weekends to create longer periods off.

The month begins with a long weekend as Labour Day on May 1 falls on a Friday, combining with the weekend to provide a three-day break. Additional extended holidays are expected later in the month depending on the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon.

According to Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the moon sighting meeting will take place on May 17. Based on this, two possible Eid al-Adha holiday scenarios are expected.

If the moon is sighted on May 17, Eid holidays are likely to fall from May 27 to May 29, from Wednesday to Friday. This would extend into the weekend, resulting in a five-day break ending May 31.

If the lunar month completes 30 days, Eid may instead fall on May 28 and 29, Thursday and Friday. In this case, the holidays would combine with the weekend to create a four-day break.

The federal government’s 2026 holiday calendar includes 11 public holidays and 23 optional holidays. Key dates include Kashmir Day on February 5, Pakistan Day on March 23, Labour Day on May 1, and Yom-e-Takbeer on May 28.

Eid ul-Fitr is expected to be observed from March 21 to March 23, while Eid al-Adha is likely to have three public holidays in late May. Ashura holidays are scheduled for June 24 and 25.

Other public holidays include Independence Day on August 14, Eid Milad-un-Nabi on August 25, Iqbal Day on November 9, and Quaid-e-Azam Day on December 25. December 26 will be observed as a holiday for the Christian community.