Govt approves early salary, pension payments before Eid ul Azha

The federal government has approved advance disbursement of salaries, allowances and pensions for May 2026 ahead of Eid ul Azha.

According to a notification issued by Ministry of Finance, payments for May will be released on May 22 instead of the regular schedule as Eid ul Azha is expected to fall on May 27 or 28, subject to moon sighting.

The ministry directed the Controller General of Accounts to ensure early payments for federal government employees and pensioners under Rule 25(3) of the Federal Government Receipts and Payments Rules, 2025.

The notification, issued by Deputy Secretary Muhammad Anwar, was also circulated to the Accountant General Pakistan Revenues, Military Accountant General, Chief Accounts Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant departments.

Advance salary and pension payments are regularly announced before major religious festivals to help employees manage Eid-related expenses, including travel, shopping and sacrificial animal purchases.

The decision comes as households continue to face pressure from inflation and rising living costs ahead of the Eid holidays.