Govt declares public holiday on February 5

ISLAMABAD:  In a recent announcement, the federal government has declared February 5, Monday, as a public holiday in commemoration of Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The notification for the public holiday has been officially issued by the Cabinet Division, stipulating a nationwide observance of a minute’s silence at 10 am on February 5 to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people.

This decision aligns with the government’s commitment to recognizing and acknowledging significant events, as evidenced by an earlier announcement from the Cabinet Division detailing the government holidays for the year 2024.

Following the Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5, the second public holiday of the year, the nation will also observe Pakistan Day on March 23.

Additional notable holidays outlined in the government’s calendar for 2024 include Eid-ul-Fitr holidays on April 10, 11, and 12, Labour Day on May 1, Eid-ul-Azha holidays from June 17 to 19, and Muharram holidays on July 16 and 17, coinciding with Ashura Day. Independence Day will be celebrated on August 14, while Eid Milad-un-Nabi will be observed on September 16. Iqbal Day, a national holiday, will take place on November 9, and December 25 will mark the celebration of Quaid-e-Azam’s birthday.

For non-Muslims, optional holidays have been designated, including Basant Panchami on February 14, “Shivatri” on March 8, Shab Miraj on February 7, and Shab Barat on February 25. The Hindu festival of Holi is anticipated on March 24, followed by Dulhandi on March 25. Good Friday is scheduled for March 29, and Easter holidays will be observed on March 31 and April 1. Additionally, an optional holiday on July 13 has been designated for the festival of Yasakhi.

The Bahai community will observe Eid-ul-Rizwan on April 21, while an optional holiday for Buddhist Parnima is set for March 23. The Parsi New Year, “Nowruz,” will be celebrated on August 15. This comprehensive holiday calendar reflects the government’s efforts to accommodate the diverse religious and cultural festivities celebrated across the nation.