The federal government has announced that November 9 (Saturday) will be a public holiday to commemorate Iqbal Day, celebrating the birth anniversary of the esteemed national poet and philosopher, Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
A notification from the federal government confirmed the holiday, stating, “As per the Cabinet Division’s circular No. 10-02/2023-Min-II dated December 20, 2023, which lists Public and Optional Holidays for 2024, Saturday, November 9, 2024, will be a public holiday nationwide for Allama Iqbal Day.”
In addition, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced a bank holiday on November 9, 2024, for Iqbal Day. An official circular from SBP’s Banking Policy and Regulations Department stated, “The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on Saturday, November 09, 2024, in observance of the public holiday for Allama Iqbal Day as declared by the Government of Pakistan.”
To honor the 147th birth anniversary of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, known as the “Poet of the East” and “Visionary of Pakistan,” all banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Microfinance Banks (MFBs) will also observe the holiday on November 9, 2024.
Iqbal Day has seen a varied history, with the holiday being suspended in 2015 before its reinstatement in 2022. Last year, the Cabinet Division reestablished Iqbal Day as a public holiday, giving rise to expectations that it would be observed this year as well.
The official holiday schedule for 2024 included Iqbal Day, indicating plans for its celebration. Traditionally, educational institutions hold events on this day, with students reciting Iqbal’s poetry and reflecting on his contributions to the nation’s heritage.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier released a list of holidays for its missions, including November 9 as Iqbal Day, from the beginning of 2024.
