By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday announced a public holiday across Pakistan on Wednesday, Aug 26, on the occasion of Eid Miladun Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him).
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved Aug 26, 2026, corresponding to 12th Rabiul Awwal 1448 AH, as a public holiday.
The notification was issued in continuation of the Cabinet Division’s Jan 19 circular concerning public and optional holidays for 2026.
The announcement means federal government offices and other institutions observing officially notified public holidays will remain closed on Wednesday.
Eid Miladun Nabi is observed by Muslims on the 12th of Rabiul Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar, to mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The date was confirmed following the meeting of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee earlier this month.
Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad announced on Aug 13 that the Rabiul Awwal moon had not been sighted in Pakistan.
Consequently, the first day of Rabiul Awwal fell according to the committee’s announcement, placing 12th Rabiul Awwal and Eid Miladun Nabi on Wednesday, Aug 26.
Religious gatherings, conferences and processions are traditionally held across Pakistan on the occasion, while mosques, streets and public buildings are decorated in many parts of the country.
Authorities are also expected to make security and traffic arrangements in major cities for gatherings and processions associated with the occasion.
The latest notification formally confirms the public holiday after the moon-sighting announcement established the date of 12th Rabiul Awwal in Pakistan.
