Government offices and courts across the country will close Monday marking the last working day before the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.
From Tuesday, all government institutions will remain shut for seven consecutive days.
The public administration ministry had earlier fixed a five-day holiday from 19 to 23 March, based on the expected sighting of the moon, which could mark Eid-ul-Fitr on 21 March.
The cabinet approved an additional holiday on 18 March during its 5 March meeting. Along with the 17 March observance of Shab-e-Qadr, all government offices will remain closed from 17 to 23 March this year.
All semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, and private offices will also observe the holiday.
Essential services will continue during the break.
Electricity, water, gas and other fuel supplies, fire service, port operations, sanitation, telephone and internet services, postal services, and vehicles and personnel supporting these services will remain active.
Hospitals, emergency medical services, doctors, staff, and vehicles carrying medicines and medical equipment will also operate as usual.
Offices handling emergency functions will remain open.
Some private institutions have also declared Eid holidays from today. The seven-day government holiday ensures officials can travel home and celebrate the festival uninterrupted.
The public administration ministry issued a notification on 7 March under the Schedule of Functions (Rules of 1996), granting the holiday through executive order to all relevant ministries and departments.
This year, Eid preparations are further supported by staggered holidays, including Shab-e-Qadr on 17 March and an additional holiday on 18 March, resulting in a continuous seven-day break for government staff.
