Extended Holiday Trend Likely to Continue Across Pakistan in May

May 2026 could prove to be a holiday-heavy month for Pakistanis, with public holidays, weekends, Youm-e-Takbir, and expected Eid al-Adha breaks likely to push the total number of days off to 14 or 15.

The month will begin with a long weekend as Labour Day falls on a Friday, followed by the regular weekend on May 2 and 3, giving both public and private sector employees three consecutive days off.

Further holidays are anticipated towards the end of the month on account of Eid al-Adha. Subject to the sighting of the moon, Eid is expected to fall between May 27 and 29 if the crescent is sighted on May 17, potentially resulting in a five-day break when combined with the weekend.

There is also a chance the holiday stretch could become even longer if the government announces an additional day off on Monday, 25 May. If that happens, it could link with the preceding weekend of 23 and 24 May and create an extended break.

According to Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, the committee is scheduled to meet on 17 May to sight the Zilhaj moon, after which the final Eid dates will be announced.