ISLAMABAD – A notification of Eidul Azha 2026 holidays has sparked a debate on social media with users drawing comparison between government and private job holders.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved three holidays starting from May 26 (Chand raat) to May 29 (second day of Eidul Azha).
Official Notification for Eid Holidays
“In continuation of Cabinet Division’s circular No. 10-01/2025-Min-II dated 19th January, 2026 regarding Public and Optional Holidays for the year 2026, it is notified that the Prime Minister has been pleased to declared 26th, 27th, and 28th May, 2026 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) as public holidays on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha,” read the notification.
Public Voices Concerns over Eid Holiday Schedule
Following the government’s notification on Eid holidays, many people have expressed concerns about the limited duration. While Eid is traditionally celebrated for three days, the official holiday has been granted only until the second day of Eid.
This means private sector employees are expected to resume work on the third day of Eid (May 29), with some needing to leave their homes on the second day to report to their jobs. Citizens argue that the shortened holiday may disrupt family celebrations and travel plans.
Debate on Social Media
A social media user shared the notification on X and wrote: “Eid-Ul-Adha holidays are on 26,27 & 28th May 2026. Friday is mostly closed due to Austerity Measures”.
The four holidays combine with two weekly offs making it a six-day break.
#Pakistan: Eid-Ul-Adha holidays are on 26,27 & 28th May 2026. Friday is mostly closed due to #AusterityMeasures. #EidUlAdha2026 #ChampAlertsOnTheGo #CAOTG pic.twitter.com/JgXy5b6jma
— Shaheryar Hassan (@shaheryarhassan) May 20, 2026
However, a user was quick to respond: “Only for government employees not for private employees. @CMShehbaz must review this notification and consider Friday as holiday”.
Only for government employees not for private employees.@CMShehbaz must review this notification and consider friday as holiday.
— Mahmood ul Hassan (@Mahmoodkamalia) May 20, 2026
Another wrote: “Private wale bechary @CMShehbaz review your decision please”.
Private wale bechary @CMShehbaz review your decision please
— REBEL – باغی (@TheDefiant666) May 20, 2026
Following are the more reactions:
No austerity measures in pvt offices.
— Ehtesham (@ehtelad6) May 20, 2026
It has been like this for ages now regarding Eid
T-1 , T, T+1— Hussain Ali Shah (@husseinalishah) May 20, 2026
Who Will Enjoy Six Holidays
Employees of several government departments in the capital will enjoy a six-day break for Eid-ul-Azha 2026, as offices are already operating on a four-day workweek under ongoing austerity measures.
The official Eid holidays, which end on May 28, will be followed by the regular weekend (May 29–31), giving government employees a continuous six-day break.
