Punjab Govt Denies Fake Public Holidays Notification
The Punjab government has clarified misinformation circulating on social media regarding multiple public holidays in the first week of February 2026. The clarification was issued after a notification claiming extended holidays went viral and caused confusion among citizens, businesses, and educational institutions across the province.
According to the provincial authorities, no such official notification has been released. The government has urged the public to remain cautious and rely only on verified announcements issued through authorized government channels to avoid disruption and misunderstanding.
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Punjab Public Holidays February 2026: Official Government Response
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari categorically rejected the viral notification and termed it fake and unauthenticated. She stated that the provincial government has not issued any notification announcing consecutive public holidays for February 2026, and the circulating document does not hold any official status.
The minister emphasized that false notifications often create unnecessary confusion and operational challenges. Citizens, institutions, and private organizations were advised to verify information before acting on it, especially when it concerns public holidays and official schedules.
- The government confirmed no notification has been issued so far
- The viral document was labeled as fake and misleading
- Citizens were advised to follow official government sources
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Details of the Viral Public Holidays Notification
The fake notification, dated February 2, 2026, claimed to be issued by the Services and General Administration Department. It suggested that public holidays would be observed in Punjab from February 4 to February 7, covering religious, national, and cultural events.
According to the false document, February 4 was listed for Shab-e-Barat, February 5 for Kashmir Day, and February 6 and 7 as Basant holidays. However, provincial authorities confirmed that these claims were not supported by any official approval or announcement.
| Claimed Date | Occasion Mentioned in Fake Notification |
|---|---|
| February 4, 2026 | Shab-e-Barat |
| February 5, 2026 | Kashmir Day |
| February 6–7, 2026 | Basant |
Actual Public Holidays Notification Position in Punjab
The clarification came amid discussions about extended holidays in Punjab. Earlier, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz had announced a long weekend around Kashmir Day, which included a provincial holiday for Basant on February 6, followed by Saturday and Sunday.
This officially announced long weekend is limited in scope and does not match the claims made in the viral notification. The government reiterated that only officially announced holidays should be considered valid for planning purposes.
- Basant holiday announced only for February 6
- Saturday and Sunday complete the long weekend
- No approval for holidays from February 4 to February 7
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Government Advisory to Citizens and Institutions
Following the spread of the fake notification, the Punjab government advised all departments, educational institutions, and private organizations to rely strictly on official notifications released through authorized channels.
Authorities stressed that misinformation can affect public services, office operations, and academic schedules. The government assured that any future decisions regarding public holidays will be communicated transparently and through official platforms.
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Importance of Verifying Public Holidays Announcements
The incident highlights the growing issue of misinformation on social media platforms. Fake notifications can easily mislead the public and create unnecessary uncertainty, especially when they appear to carry official formatting and department names.
To avoid confusion, citizens are encouraged to cross-check holiday announcements through official government websites, verified social media accounts, or press releases before making plans or taking decisions.
| Source Type | Reliability Level |
|---|---|
| Official Govt Notification | High |
| Verified Govt Social Media Accounts | High |
| Unverified Social Media Posts | Low |
| Forwarded Messages | Very Low |
FAQs
Is there any official notification for public holidays from February 4 to 7, 2026 in Punjab?
No, the Punjab government has confirmed that no such notification has been issued and the circulating document is fake.
What holidays have officially been announced for early February 2026?
Only a Basant holiday on February 6 has been announced, followed by the regular Saturday and Sunday weekend.
Who rejected the viral public holidays notification?
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari publicly dismissed the notification as unauthenticated and misleading.
How can citizens verify official public holidays in Punjab?
Citizens should rely on official government notifications, press releases, and verified social media accounts for accurate information.
Will the Punjab government announce holidays through social media forwards?
No, all official holiday announcements are issued only through authorized government channels.
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