The government has officially announced the holiday schedule for civil servants in observance of the forthcoming Eid-ul-Fitr in 2026. While the formal public holiday period has been set at five days, strategic planning and the judicious use of one or two optional leave days can enable government employees to enjoy an extended break of seven to ten consecutive days.
According to the official calendar, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be observed on Saturday, 21 March 2026, contingent upon the sighting of the moon. The designated public holiday period will commence on Thursday, 19 March 2026, and conclude on Monday, 23 March 2026. Prior to this, Tuesday, 17 March 2026, has been marked as a public holiday for Shab-e-Qadr.
Civil servants who opt to take an optional leave on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, can effectively enjoy a continuous seven-day break. Following the Eid holidays, Thursday, 26 March 2026, marks the public holiday for Independence Day, providing an additional opportunity for an extended festive period.
For better clarity, the holiday schedule and potential leave options are summarised in the table below:
| Date | Day | Holiday Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 March 2026 | Tuesday | Shab-e-Qadr | Official public holiday |
| 18 March 2026 | Wednesday | Optional leave | Enables 7-day consecutive break |
| 19 March 2026 | Thursday | Eid-ul-Fitr holiday begins | Official public holiday |
| 20 March 2026 | Friday | Eid-ul-Fitr | Official public holiday |
| 21 March 2026 | Saturday | Eid-ul-Fitr | Official public holiday |
| 22 March 2026 | Sunday | Eid-ul-Fitr | Official public holiday |
| 23 March 2026 | Monday | Eid-ul-Fitr holiday ends | Official public holiday |
| 24–25 March 2026 | Tuesday–Wednesday | Optional leave | Allows extension to a 10-day continuous break |
| 26 March 2026 | Thursday | Independence Day | Official public holiday |
| 27–28 March 2026 | Friday–Saturday | Weekly holidays | Bonus rest days |
This planned holiday structure allows civil servants to enjoy an uninterrupted festive period connecting Eid-ul-Fitr and Independence Day. Employees who take optional leave on 24 and 25 March can benefit from a full ten-day break, an opportunity that arises only once a year.
Government offices and departments have already begun preparing to implement this schedule, ensuring minimal disruption to official operations. For employees, this extended holiday offers a prime opportunity to spend quality time with family and relatives, celebrate the festivities, and rejuvenate before resuming work.