KARACHI (Kashmir English): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday announced a public holiday for banks nationwide on November 9, 2026, to mark the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a national poet of Pakistan.
According to the central bank’s notification, all banks, development finance institutions, and microfinance banks will remain closed for public transactions and banking services on Monday.
“The SBP will remain closed on Monday, November 9, 2026, being a public holiday on the occasion of “Allama Iqbal Day”, as declared by the Government of Pakistan,” the circular added.
As November 7 and 8 fall on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, banks will remain closed for three consecutive days from November 7 to 9.
Regular banking operations and public dealings will resume on Tuesday, November 10, the notification stated.
On October 30, the federal government declared a public holiday on November 9 to mark Allama Iqbal Day, the Cabinet Division said.
As per the notification, all educational institutions, government and private offices will remain closed on Monday, November 9, 2026, on the occasion of Allama Iqbal Day.
The holiday was given under the Cabinet Division’s circular, dated January 19, 2026, listing Public and Optional Holidays for the year 2026.
The citizens who observe two weekly holidays will enjoy three consecutive days off from November 7 to 9.
With Saturday and Sunday falling on November 7 and 8, the public holiday could give people a long weekend. The offices and educational institutions will resume on Tuesday, November 10.
Allama Muhammad Iqbal
Allama Muhammad Iqbal, widely known as the Poet of the East and Pakistan’s national poet, was born on November 9, 1877, in Sialkot.
He was a renowned poet, philosopher, and political thinker whose ideas played an important role in shaping the intellectual foundations of the Pakistan Movement.
It was at the Allahabad session of the Muslim League in 1930 that Iqbal became the first politician to articulate the two-nation theory that ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
Iqbal Day is observed annually to honour his literary contributions, philosophical thought and lasting influence on Pakistan’s national identity. Seminars, poetry recitals, educational programmes and discussions are commonly held to highlight his work and ideas.
