Govt issues list of public holidays for year 2019

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has issued a list of public holidays for the year 2019.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, 14 public holidays will be granted this year, including Kashmir Day, Pakistan Day, Labour Day, Eidul Fitr, Eidul Azha, Independence Day, Ashura, Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) and Quaid-e-Azam Day.

“In case of Muslim festivals, the dates of holidays are based on anticipated dates and are subject to appearance of moon for which a separate notification will be issued by the Ministry of Interior,” the notification read.

Besides, 14 public holidays, there will be three bank holidays. On January 1, May 7 and July 1 banks will be closed for public, however, they will be open for employees.

The government also notified regarding 23 optional holidays, including New Years, Basant, Shiv Ratri, Holi, Dulhandi, Shab-e-Mairaj, Good Friday, Easter, Nauroze, for government officials.

“Government officials desiring to avail optional holidays shall take prior permission of the head of office concerned and no government servant, who is Muslim, shall be granted more than one optional holiday. Non-Muslims can be granted three optional holidays in Calendar Year 2018-19,” the notification added.