Iqbal Day holiday announced as Sindh closes public and private schools
The closure will apply to all public and private educational institutions across the province to mark the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
Sindh government announces school holiday
The Sindh government announced the decision on Wednesday through the School Education and Literacy Department. The notification was also shared by the Sindh Information Department on social media platform X.
The notification said the decision was made under the agreement reached during a meeting of the Education Steering Committee on February 12. All public and private educational institutions working under the provincial education department will remain closed on Monday, November 9.
The notification was also sent to the principal secretaries of the Sindh governor and chief minister, along with other senior government officials. This confirms that the holiday will apply across the province.
Why is Iqbal Day celebrated?
Iqbal Day is observed every year on November 9 to remember the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He was born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot and became one of the most respected poets, philosophers and scholars of the subcontinent.
Iqbal played an important role in shaping the political ideas that later contributed to the creation of Pakistan. He is widely recognised as one of the leading figures behind the country's ideological foundations.
Iqbal’s role in the creation of Pakistan
During the Allahabad session of the All-India Muslim League in 1930, Iqbal presented the idea of a separate political future for Muslims in the subcontinent. His address became an important part of the political thinking that eventually led to the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
His poetry and philosophical ideas also encouraged Muslims to develop confidence, unity and a strong sense of identity. His message continues to influence students, writers and readers across Pakistan.
Why Iqbal Day is not a regular national holiday
Iqbal Day was included in Pakistan’s list of annual public holidays for many years. However, the federal government removed November 9 from the annual holiday calendar through a notification issued by the Interior Ministry on November 4, 2015.
The government did not give a specific reason for cancelling the annual public holiday. However, the Sindh government has now announced a separate closure for public and private schools in the province.
The November 9 school holiday will give students and teachers an opportunity to remember Allama Iqbal and learn about his contribution to Pakistan. His ideas remain an important part of the country’s history and education.
Although Iqbal Day is not a regular annual federal public holiday, Sindh has decided to close educational institutions for the occasion. The notification specifically covers public and private schools across the province.
Also read: Will Hamza Shehbaz give final approval to new Auto Policy 2026-31?
