The federal government has declared a public holiday across the country on Monday, November 9, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, November 9 will be a public holiday in connection with Iqbal Day, under which federal government offices and related government institutions will remain closed.
The Punjab government has also earlier announced a public holiday on the same day across the province. The Welfare Wing of the Services and General Administration Department had declared Monday, November 9, a public holiday across the province in a notification issued on October 30.
According to the provincial notification, this decision has been taken in continuation of the departmental holiday schedule issued on January 19, 2026. Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and heads of various government departments have also been informed in this regard.
It should be noted that Iqbal Day is celebrated on November 9 every year on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. He was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877 and holds a prominent place in the history of the subcontinent due to his poetry, philosophy and intellectual contributions.
Allama Iqbal is called the national poet of Pakistan and the poet of the East. His thoughts played an important role in raising awareness of self-reliance, self-reliance, freedom and a separate national identity among the Muslims of the subcontinent.
Every year on this occasion, Allama Iqbal’s services and thoughts are paid tribute to through celebrations, literary sessions and educational activities across the country.
