The federal government of Pakistan has officially declared a two-day public holiday to celebrate Eid ul Fitr, while several provincial administrations have opted for a slightly extended break lasting three days. This announcement has raised questions among citizens regarding the operational status of key government services, particularly the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) offices, which play a crucial role in identity verification and documentation across the country.
the official holiday schedule, the federal government has designated March 20 and 21 as non-working days in observance of Eid ul Fitr. Meanwhile, the provincial governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have announced a longer holiday period spanning from March 19 through March 21. This variation in holiday duration reflects the differing administrative decisions at the provincial level, which often consider local cultural and logistical factors.
In light of these developments, NADRA has released its own timetable for office closures, which extends beyond the Eid celebrations to include Pakistan Day on March 23. As per the official notification, all NADRA offices across Pakistan will remain closed starting from Friday, March 20 until Monday, March 23. This four-day closure encompasses both the religious festivities of Eid ul Fitr and the national commemoration of Pakistan Day, a significant event marking the country’s history and independence.
Despite the temporary shutdown of physical offices, NADRA has assured the public that essential services will continue to be accessible through digital means. The Pak ID mobile application, which offers a range of identity-related services, will remain fully operational throughout the holiday period. This ensures that citizens can still perform critical tasks such as verifying their identity or accessing digital documents without interruption.
It is important to note that NADRA’s 24-hour service centers will observe a slight adjustment in their operating hours. Specifically, these centers will close at midnight between March 19 and 20 to prepare for the holiday break. Following the conclusion of the holidays, all NADRA offices are scheduled to resume normal operations promptly at 8:00 am on Tuesday, March 24.
For Pakistanis living abroad, NADRA centers located within various international embassies and consulates will align their working hours with those of the respective diplomatic missions. This coordination ensures consistency and convenience for overseas citizens seeking NADRA services during the holiday season.
Overall, the extended closure of NADRA offices during this period underscores the importance of planning ahead for any urgent documentation needs. Citizens are encouraged to utilize the Pak ID app and other online services to avoid any inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension of in-person services. The government’s clear communication regarding holiday schedules aims to help the public navigate this festive season smoothly while honoring both religious and national celebrations.
