Pakistan Public Holiday on Oct 24, 2025 | Applies Only to Some Areas, Not Nationwide. Many people in Pakistan were confused about whether October 24, 2025 was an official public holiday across the country. The short answer is no, it was not a nationwide public holiday. The day was only a regional holiday in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), celebrated as Azad Kashmir Day.
Let’s clear all confusion with verified information about regional holidays, Diwali holidays in Sindh, and official government notifications for October 2025.
Azad Kashmir Day – 24 October
Every year on October 24, people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir celebrate Azad Kashmir Day to mark the establishment of the Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.
Historical Background
The day holds great importance for the people of Azad Kashmir. It commemorates their struggle for independence and self-governance. Various parades, rallies, and cultural events are held to celebrate this special day.
How the Day Was Observed in 2025
In 2025, schools, offices, and government institutions remained closed in Azad Kashmir to celebrate the day. However, it was a normal working day in all other provinces, including:
- Punjab
- Sindh
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
- Balochistan
This means the holiday applied only to AJK, not the entire country.
| Region | Holiday Status on Oct 24, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) | Public Holiday – Azad Kashmir Day |
| Punjab | No Holiday |
| Sindh | No Holiday |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) | No Holiday |
| Balochistan | No Holiday |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | No Holiday |
Diwali Holidays in Sindh
In Sindh province, separate Diwali holidays were observed on October 20 and 21, 2025, to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights.
Official Notification
The Sindh Government issued an official notification announcing two days of holidays for Hindu employees and communities. These holidays were not national holidays — they were limited to areas with significant Hindu populations, such as:
- Karachi
- Hyderabad
- Tharparkar
- Umerkot
Who Got the Holidays
Only government offices, schools, and institutions with Hindu staff or communities were closed. The rest of Pakistan continued normal business and office routines.
| Dates | Occasion | Province | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 20–21, 2025 | Diwali | Sindh (Selected Areas) | Regional Holiday |
No Other Official Holidays in Pakistan During October 2025
Apart from Azad Kashmir Day (Oct 24) and Diwali (Oct 20–21), there were a few other regional holidays earlier in the month, but no nationwide holidays.
Other Regional Holidays in October 2025
| Date | Event | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2, 2025 | Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar | Sindh |
| Oct 4, 2025 | Chehlum of Imam Hussain (R.A.) | Nationwide (limited observance) |
| Oct 20–21, 2025 | Diwali | Sindh |
| Oct 24, 2025 | Azad Kashmir Day | Azad Jammu and Kashmir |
After October 21, all schools, businesses, and offices across the country resumed normal operations.
Other News Highlights of October 2025
To provide full context, several other important events took place in Pakistan during October 2025.
Pakistan’s First Bullet Train — Lahore to Karachi in 5 Hours
The government announced Pakistan’s first bullet train project, which aims to connect Lahore and Karachi in just five hours.
This project is part of the Pakistan Railways modernization plan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Punjab School Winter Vacations 2025
The Punjab Education Department confirmed that winter vacations for schools would start in late December 2025, lasting two weeks. Official dates are expected to be announced by mid-December.
New Oil and Gas Discovery in Pakistan
A major oil and gas discovery was reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, giving a big boost to the national energy sector. Officials called it a “major success for the country’s economy.”
WAPDA’s New Rules for Multiple Electricity Meters
In October 2025, WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) announced new regulations for installing multiple electricity meters in one house. These updates aim to control misuse and promote transparency.
Sehat Card Pakistan 2025 Update
The Sehat Sahulat Programme continued offering free medical treatment worth up to Rs. 10 lakh for eligible families in Punjab and KPK. Citizens can check their Sehat Card eligibility online through the NADRA and Sehat Sahulat portals.
Public Holidays in Pakistan | October 2025 (True Information)
To summarize official and verified holidays for October 2025:
| Date | Holiday/Event | Region | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2 | Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar | Sindh | Regional |
| Oct 4 | Chehlum of Imam Hussain (R.A.) | Pakistan | Religious Observance |
| Oct 20–21 | Diwali | Sindh (Selected Areas) | Regional |
| Oct 24 | Azad Kashmir Day | AJK | Regional |
| — | — | — | No Nationwide Holiday |
Why the Confusion About October 24?
Many websites and social media pages spread incorrect news claiming a nationwide holiday on October 24, 2025. However, the Government of Pakistan did not issue any official notification declaring it a public holiday across the country.
Fact Check:
- Holiday in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- No holiday in Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan
- Official government notices confirmed normal working day elsewhere
Conclusion
To sum up:
- October 24, 2025 was a public holiday only in Azad Kashmir (Azad Kashmir Day).
- October 20–21 were Diwali holidays in Sindh province for Hindu communities.
- There was no nationwide public holiday in Pakistan on October 24, 2025.
- After October 21, all offices, schools, and institutions operated normally.
Always verify holiday information from official government notifications instead of relying on random posts or unofficial websites. This ensures accurate updates about regional or national holidays in Pakistan.
FAQs
1. Was October 24, 2025 a public holiday in Pakistan?
No. It was a regional holiday in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, not nationwide.
2. What is celebrated on October 24 in Pakistan?
It is celebrated as Azad Kashmir Day, marking the establishment of the Azad Government of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.
3. Were there Diwali holidays in Pakistan in 2025?
Yes, October 20–21 were Diwali holidays in Sindh, mainly in areas with Hindu populations.
4. Were schools and offices closed in Punjab on October 24?
No. Schools and offices remained open in Punjab and other provinces.
5. How can I confirm public holidays in Pakistan?
Check the official notifications issued by the Cabinet Division or provincial governments on their verified websites.
