The federal government on Thursday officially announced a public holiday on November 9 (Saturday) across the country on the occasion of the birth anniversary of national poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal.

According to a press release issued by the Cabinet Division, this decision aligns with the previous Cabinet Division’s circular from 20th December 2023, which outlined the public and optional holidays for the year 2024.

The circular was forwarded to key government officials, including federal ministers, the Attorney General, the Chief Election Commissioner, secretaries of various ministries, and heads of autonomous bodies. Furthermore, departments such as the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and various law enforcement agencies were also notified.

Earlier, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced it will remain closed on Saturday, 9th November 2024, in observance of Allama Iqbal Day.