Pakistan Public Holiday on Oct 24 2025: Applies Only to Some Areas, Not Nationwide
Pakistan Public Holiday on Oct 24 2025: Applies Only to Some Areas, Not Nationwide. Many Pakistanis were confused about whether October 24, 2025, was a public holiday across the country. The short answer is no, it was not a nationwide public holiday. However, it was officially observed as Azad Kashmir Day in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) marking a historic day in the region’s independence movement.
In this detailed article, I, explain everything you need to know about Pakistan’s October 24 public holiday, why it was limited to certain regions, and what other provincial holidays took place in October 2025.
Why October 24 Is Important in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
History of Azad Kashmir Day
October 24 is celebrated every year as Azad Kashmir Day to commemorate the formation of the Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. This date represents the establishment of a self-governing administration following the region’s historic struggle for freedom.
On this day, the people of AJK proudly celebrate their identity, heritage, and freedom. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people for self-determination.
Official Holiday in AJK Only
While October 24 holds deep historical significance, it is not recognized as a national public holiday by the Government of Pakistan. Instead, it is an official regional holiday only in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where:
- Government offices, schools, and colleges remain closed.
- Public gatherings, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and parades take place.
- Special cultural and political programs are organized across Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Rawalakot, and other AJK districts.
No Nationwide Holiday on October 24, 2025
Clarification from Authorities
To address public confusion, several media reports and official notices confirmed that October 24, 2025, was not a national holiday. Only Azad Kashmir observed the day as a regional event.
In Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, schools and offices operated normally. The federal government did not issue any official holiday notification for the rest of the country.
Reason for the Misunderstanding
The confusion arose because many social media pages and unofficial websites posted incorrect information, suggesting that October 24 was a nationwide public holiday. In reality, it was limited to AJK territory only.
Pro Tip:
Always verify holidays from official notifications published by:
- Cabinet Division (Government of Pakistan)
- Provincial Government websites
- AJK Government press releases
List of Regional Holidays in Pakistan — October 2025
Even though October 24 was not a national holiday, Pakistan did have a few provincial and religious holidays during the month. The table below provides a summary.
| Date | Occasion | Region | Type of Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 October 2025 | Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar | Sindh | Regional (Religious) |
| 4 October 2025 | Chehlum of Imam Hussain (R.A.) | Nationwide | Religious |
| 20–21 October 2025 | Diwali (Festival of Lights) | Sindh (selected areas) | Regional (Religious) |
| 24 October 2025 | Azad Kashmir Day | Azad Jammu and Kashmir | Regional (Public Holiday) |
These holidays reflect Pakistan’s diverse religious and cultural landscape, with each province observing different festivals and historic days.
Diwali Holidays in Sindh (October 2025)
Official Notification by Sindh Government
The Sindh Government issued an official circular declaring October 20 and 21, 2025, as holidays for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. This was done to facilitate the Hindu community, primarily in Karachi, Hyderabad, Tharparkar, and Umerkot, where large Hindu populations live.
Who Benefited from the Diwali Holidays
- Hindu government employees were given paid leave on these dates.
- Educational institutions and municipal offices in majority-Hindu areas remained closed.
- The rest of Pakistan continued with normal workdays.
This policy reflects Sindh’s inclusive governance, ensuring equal respect for all religious communities under Pakistan’s constitution.
Other October 2025 Holidays in Pakistan
Apart from Diwali and Azad Kashmir Day, Pakistan had a few limited observances earlier in the month:
- 2 October 2025 – Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar:
Celebrated in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh, attracting thousands of devotees. - 4 October 2025 – Chehlum of Imam Hussain (R.A.):
Observed across Pakistan as a day of mourning and remembrance, marking the 40th day after Ashura.
After these regional observances, no further public holidays were declared in October 2025.
Why Pakistan Doesn’t Declare Every Regional Holiday Nationally
Diversity of Provincial Holidays
Pakistan is a federation composed of four provinces and several territories, each with its own culture and traditions. Because of this, many events are region-specific, such as:
- Sindh: Urs celebrations and Hindu festivals
- Punjab: Urs of saints like Data Ganj Bakhsh
- Balochistan: Local tribal or religious observances
- AJK: Kashmir solidarity and independence days
This allows provinces to celebrate events significant to their communities without disrupting the national work calendar.
Government Policy
The federal government issues an annual list of public and optional holidays. Provincial governments then decide which additional days to observe. Therefore, October 24, 2025, being Azad Kashmir Day, automatically applies only to AJK.
Public Reactions and Online Confusion
As the date approached, many Pakistanis searched queries like:
- “Is 24 October a public holiday in Pakistan?”
- “Is there a holiday on 24 October 2025?”
- “Why offices are open on 24 October?”
Misinformation spread on social media and WhatsApp groups, leading to widespread confusion. However, news outlets and government notifications later clarified that the holiday applied only to Azad Kashmir.
Example of Common Online Misleading Posts
“Pakistan announces a nationwide holiday on October 24 for Azad Kashmir Day.”
These kinds of posts are often clickbait and unverified. It’s always best to confirm through official sources before assuming an off-day.
How to Verify Official Public Holidays in Pakistan
You can confirm holidays through the following official and trusted sources:
- Cabinet Division Website – cabinet.gov.pk
(Official list of national holidays) - Provincial Government Portals
- sindh.gov.pk
- punjab.gov.pk
- kp.gov.pk
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir Government – ajk.gov.pk
- Local Newspapers (Dawn, Express Tribune, Geo, etc.)
By verifying notifications from these platforms, you can avoid confusion and plan your leaves or business operations correctly.
Public Holidays Calendar Comparison: 2024 vs 2025
| Year | Total National Holidays | Major Observances in October |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 16 | Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Sept 15), Chehlum (Oct 3) |
| 2025 | 15 | Chehlum (Oct 4), Diwali (Oct 20–21), AJK Day (Oct 24) |
This table shows how 2025 had fewer national-level holidays in October compared to the previous year, emphasizing that Oct 24 was regional, not federal.
FAQs
1. Was October 24, 2025, a public holiday in Pakistan?
No, it was not a nationwide holiday. It was officially a regional holiday in Azad Jammu and Kashmir only.
2. What is celebrated on October 24 in AJK?
Azad Kashmir Day — marking the formation of the Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.
3. Were there Diwali holidays in Pakistan in October 2025?
Yes, the Sindh government declared October 20–21, 2025, as holidays in areas with large Hindu populations.
4. Were any schools closed on October 24, 2025?
Only schools in Azad Kashmir were closed. All other provinces followed normal schedules.
5. Where can I check official holiday notifications in Pakistan?
You can check the Cabinet Division, provincial websites, or AJK government portal for verified holiday circulars.
Conclusion
In summary, October 24, 2025, was not a nationwide public holiday in Pakistan. It was a special regional observance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir known as Azad Kashmir Day, while the rest of the country had normal working days. Additionally, Sindh province enjoyed Diwali holidays on October 20–21, but again, only in selected areas.
