ISLAMABAD: The federal government has declared Monday, November 9, 2026, a nationwide public holiday for Iqbal Day, and schools, government offices and banks will stay closed. The day marks the birth anniversary of national poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal. timesofkarachi
What the notification says
A Cabinet Division press release said the holiday follows the circular of January 19, 2026, which listed the year’s public and optional holidays. Under it, November 9 is a public holiday throughout the country for Allama Iqbal Day. Federal offices and public institutions will remain closed, while provincial authorities will apply the holiday through their own notifications. brecorderpakistantoday
Provinces, schools and banks
- Punjab: The provincial government had already announced a province-wide holiday on October 30, through a notification from the Services and General Administration Department. The Punjab School Education Department also ordered all public and private schools in the province to close. pakistantodaydailyqudrat
- Sindh: The Sindh government announced that public and private schools across the province would stay closed on November 9. minutemirror
- Banks: The State Bank of Pakistan announced that banks would remain closed on November 9 to observe Iqbal Day. pakistantoday
A long weekend for many
Because the holiday falls on a Monday, it extends the weekend for those who already have Sunday off. Employees who also take Saturday off get three consecutive days, from November 7 to 9, while those who work Saturdays get Sunday and Monday. Normal routines resume on Tuesday, November 10. propakistanidailypakistan
Who was Allama Iqbal?
Known as the Poet of the East, Allama Iqbal was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877. His philosophical poetry inspired the Muslims of the Subcontinent, and his 1930 Allahabad Address gave their struggle political direction. The Government of Pakistan has officially declared him the national poet. aajWikipedia
Celebrations across the country
This year marks his 149th birth anniversary. Radio and TV channels are airing special programmes on his poetry, philosophy and message to the nation, and President Asif Ali Zardari urged young people to draw inspiration from his poetry. Political, educational and literary organisations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also paying tribute to him. aajnation