Holiday Updates for Allama Iqbal Day Across Pakistan Provinces

Updated 7 November 2026: The Punjab School Education Department has officially declared a holiday for all public and private schools on November 9.

What Happened

Provincial education departments have issued notifications regarding school closures for Allama Iqbal Day on November 9 [2, 3]. The Punjab School Education Department has declared a holiday for all public and private schools across the province [3]. The department has directed all District Education Authorities to ensure this holiday decision is implemented within their respective districts [3].

In Sindh and Balochistan, educational institutes will also be closed on November 9 [2]. In Balochistan, Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri clarified that while schools are closed, provincial offices will remain open [2].

Regarding federal status, the Pakistan Observer reports that the federal government announced a nationwide public holiday for November 9, which includes the closure of government offices, departments, and public institutions [3]. This contradicts earlier reports stating the Interior Ministry dismissed a summary to declare the day a public holiday and that federal offices would remain open [2].

Allama Iqbal Day is observed on November 9 to mark the birth of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877 [2]. Various seminars, ceremonies, and special programmes are expected to be organized across the country to honor his legacy [3].

Who Is Affected

Closures and operational status vary by region and institution:

• Punjab: All public and private schools are closed on November 9 [3].
• Sindh and Balochistan: Educational institutes are closed [2].
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Private schools will remain closed according to the province’s private educational institutions association, though the KP government has not made a decision regarding a public holiday [2].
• Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU): The university in Multan and its sub-campuses are scheduled to remain closed on Monday, November 9, 2026 [1].
• Federal Government: Government offices, departments, and public institutions are set to remain closed [3].
• Healthcare: Hospital emergency services will continue to operate as usual during the holiday [3].