Two public holidays announced across Pakistan

Two public holidays announced across Pakistan

December, 2 2025

(Web Desk): The federal government has issued the official schedule for public holidays in December 2025, confirming two days of nationwide and community-specific closures, while provinces have also finalised winter vacation plans for educational institutions.

According to the notification, Thursday, December 25, will be observed as a public holiday across Pakistan to commemorate Quaid-e-Azam Day, marking the birth anniversary of the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Separately, Friday, December 26, has been declared a public holiday exclusively for Christian employees, following the Christmas celebrations. The back-to-back holidays mean Christian citizens will receive two consecutive days off, while the general public will observe the national holiday on December 25.

Winter Vacations Across Provinces

Alongside the national holiday schedule, the Ministry of Education has issued province-wide winter vacation timelines after reviewing weather patterns, regional temperature variations, and smog-related health concerns.

Punjab

In Punjab, winter holidays will start on December 23, 2025, and continue until January 11, 2026.
Schools will reopen on January 13, coinciding with the start of the new academic session.

A summary prepared by the School Education Department had earlier been forwarded to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for approval. The decision comes as the province faces severe smog conditions and health risks, prompting calls for extended breaks to protect students.

Aslo Read: Winter vacation schedule finally announced — long break confirmed for schools

Balochistan

Schools in colder districts of Balochistan will close for two and a half months, beginning December 16, due to harsh winter conditions. These extended holidays are part of an annual schedule designed to safeguard students from extreme temperatures.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

In KP, the vacation schedule varies by region:

Plain areas: December 22 to December 31
Hilly areas: December 22 to February 29

Nationwide Guidance

The Ministry of Education has stated that the winter break schedule applies to both government and private institutions. Parents and school administrations have been advised to plan accordingly to ensure academic continuity and student safety during the cold spell and deteriorating environmental conditions.

The timely issuance of the holiday and vacation schedules has been welcomed by families and educational institutions, especially amid rising concerns over air quality, smog, and unusually cold weather expected in several regions.