Youm-e-Takbir: Pakistan Announces Public Holiday on May 28

On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared May 28 a public holiday for all private and public offices as well as educational institutions in observance of Youm-e-Takbeer.

According to the notification, all public and private institutions, including schools, will be closed on Tuesday, May 28.

May 28 Public Holiday in Pakistan

The notification titled “Declaration of Public Holiday on the Occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer” stated, “In modification of the Cabinet Division’s circular No. 10-02/2023-Min.II dated December 20, 2023, regarding public and optional holidays for the year 2024, the Prime Minister has declared May 28, 2024, a public holiday across the country.”

On May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests, marking this date as Youm-e-Takbeer to celebrate its achievement of invincible defense capabilities and to ensure regional stability through a balance of power. These tests made Pakistan the seventh nuclear nation globally and the first Muslim state to possess a nuclear store.

Despite external pressures, the then Prime Minister, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, made the courageous decision to conduct the tests, ensuring strategic balance in the region.