The district administration has declared 13 August holiday in the federal capital, providing residents of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) an additional day off ahead of Pakistan’s Independence Day on 14 August 2025.
According to a notification issued by District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon, the 13 August holiday will apply within the revenue limits of Islamabad. The order states that the decision is part of official arrangements for Independence Day celebrations and related activities.
Essential Services to Remain Open on 13 August Holiday
The notification clarified that the holiday will not apply to essential services, including:
- Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI)
- Capital Development Authority (CDA)
- ICT Administration
- ICT Police
- Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)
- Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL)
- All hospitals within ICT
Reason for the 13 August Holiday in Islamabad
The holiday intended to allow preparations for Independence Day 2025 events and national flag displays across the city. This year’s celebrations also coincide with the marking of Marka-e-Haq following Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
Markets in Islamabad already stocked up with flags, buntings, and green-and-white merchandise, while a ban on plastic horns implemented for the celebrations. The CDA has decorated main roads and public spaces under the supervision of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa.