LAHORE (Kashmir English): The Punjab government has announced a public holiday throughout the entire province on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat.
The Services & General Administration Department (S&GAD) issued a notification which declared that all government offices, autonomous bodies, semi-autonomous entities, local councils, and educational institutions in Punjab will be closed on the specified date.
The notification declared that Shab-e-Barat occurs on the night that falls between 14th and 15th Sha’ban in 1447 A.H. after the moon sighting has been verified.
The Director General (Public Relations) of Lahore instructed that the notification should be distributed to major English and Urdu newspapers that operate at national and regional levels, while it should also be shared through electronic media channels.
Why is Shab-e-Barat Important
In Sha’ban, Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven for one night (Shab-e-Barat), answers duas, and grants forgiveness to those repenting. Sha’ban falls between Rajab and Ramadan, two important months, and it is good to continue good deeds during this month as well. Sha’ban translates to ‘scattered’ or ‘dispersed’.
Our deeds, which are written by angels on our shoulders, are presented to Allah (SWT) daily after Fajr and Asr Salah, weekly on Mondays and Thursdays, but also annually in Sha’ban. This should be an incentive to do all we can to worship Allah (SWT) to please Him when our deeds are presented to Him.
