Banks, financial institutions and government offices will remain closed on Monday as Pakistan observes the birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

Karachi, November 4, 2026: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that all banks across the country will remain closed on Monday, November 9, 2026, on account of Allama Iqbal Day.

In a circular issued to presidents and chief executives of all banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Microfinance Banks (MFBs), the central bank confirmed that November 9 would be observed as a public holiday in accordance with the federal government’s announcement.

Earlier, the Cabinet Division issued a notification declaring a nationwide public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

All federal ministries, government departments, public and private offices, and educational institutions will remain closed on the occasion.

The holiday will provide employees and students observing a Saturday-Sunday weekend with three consecutive days off, from November 7 to 9.

Normal banking, government office and educational activities are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Allama Iqbal Day is observed annually on November 9 to honour the poet and philosopher whose writings and ideas played an influential role in shaping the intellectual and political history of the subcontinent.