ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has declared that all banks and financial institutions in Pakistan will suspend operations on Labor Day, which falls on Friday, May 1.
The State Bank announced this decision because the government declared May 1 as a public holiday through an official notification. The banks, which include public and private institutions together with development finance institutions and microfinance banks, will shut down operations on the specified date.
All financial institutions, including public and private banks, will start their regular business operations again on Monday, May 4, 2026.
The nation will observe a public holiday on May 1 in observance of International Workers’ Day, as the federal government issued a notification in this regard.
As per the notification, all government and private offices, educational institutions, and business centers will remain closed.
The day will be observed to pay tribute to workers and the working class for their services.
Due to the holiday on Friday, the public will be able to enjoy three days of holiday, including two days of the weekend, Saturday and Sunday.
The world observes Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, every year on May 1 to express solidarity with the labourers and honour the rights of the working class.
The day commemorates the historic fight for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and improved working conditions.
In Pakistan, the day is marked with rallies, seminars, and events organized by trade unions and workers’ associations, highlighting ongoing efforts to safeguard labor rights and promote social justice.
Public holidays for 2026
The federal government has already declared several public holidays for the year 2026 across Pakistan.
According to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division, Kashmir Day will be observed on February 5 and Pakistan Day on March 23.
Furthermore, public holidays will also be observed on March 21, 22, and 23, 2026, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, while Labor Day will be observed on May 1, and Youm-e-Takbir will be observed on May 28.
Similarly, public holidays have been declared on May 27, 28, and 29, 2026, for Eid al-Adha.
The notification further added that Independence Day will be observed on August 14, Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) on August 25, Allama Iqbal Day on November 9, while Quaid-e-Azam Day and Christmas holidays will be observed on December 25 across the country.
December 26 has been declared a holiday specifically for the Christian community. Separately, bank holidays for 2026 have been notified on January 1, February 18, and July 1.
