Pakistan Observes Two Back-to-Back Public Holidays

The Sindh government has announced a unique set of public holidays for December 25 and 26, in a rare instance of two back-to-back observances. December 25 has been declared a public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, while December 26 has been exclusively designated for Christian employees to celebrate Christmas.

The dual announcement comes as a testament to the inclusive nature of Pakistan's cultural landscape, as the nation celebrates two pivotal occasions on consecutive days. December 25 marks the birth anniversary of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, with gun salutes in federal and provincial capitals and a ceremony at his mausoleum in Karachi. This will be followed by an array of events and programs nationwide, honoring the Quaid's life and contributions to the country's creation. On the other hand, December 26 will exclusively observe Christmas, a festive occasion celebrated by the Christian community across the country.

In accordance with the holidays, all offices under the Sindh government's administrative control will remain closed on December 25, except for those engaged in essential services. This will ensure that vital functions continue uninterrupted, while employees take part in the celebrations. The move underscores the importance of observances in Pakistani culture, given that Christmas is a universally acknowledged Christian festival, whereas December 25 in Pakistan is specifically revered as the Quaid-e-Azam's birth day.

The simultaneous declaration reflects the Sindh government's appreciation for the nation's diverse cultural heritage. By recognizing both Quaid-e-Azam's birthday and Christmas on consecutive days, the provincial government aims to amplify the significance of each occasion within the cultural fabric of Pakistan.

As the nation observes these pivotal days, Pakistanis will commemorate the Quaid's legacy and celebrate the camaraderie of faith, blending memories of the country's founding with the cultural traditions of religious inclusivity.