In Pakistan, labor laws mandate a minimum amount of paid vacation leave for employees.

Annual Leave Entitlement

Upon completion of twelve months of continuous service, every employee is entitled to 14 consecutive days of annual leave during the subsequent twelve months. This is in accordance with the Factories Act, Section 49-B.

Carryover of Leave

Employees have the option to carry forward any unused leave to the following year. However, the maximum accumulation permitted is 14 days. This implies that an employee can have a maximum of 28 days or 30 days of leave at most.

Payment During Leave

While on annual leave, employees are entitled to their daily wages.

Important Note

The primary legislation for leave entitlements is the Factories Act. However, it's crucial to note that certain sectors may have their own specific regulations.

Pakistan is known for its diverse celebration of public holidays, reflecting its rich religious and cultural heritage. These holidays provide opportunities for people to come together, celebrate traditions, and honor historical events.

Islamic Holidays

Islamic holidays hold immense significance for Muslims in Pakistan.

• Eid al-Fitr: This three-day festival marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting and spiritual reflection. Celebrations involve prayer gatherings, exchanging gifts, and enjoying special meals with family and friends.
• Eid al-Adha: This four-day festival commemorates Prophet Abraham's sacrifice and his willingness to obey God. Muslims typically sacrifice animals and distribute meat to the less fortunate. Family gatherings and feasting are central to this joyous occasion.
• Eid Milad-un-Nabi: This holiday celebrates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims attend religious processions, recite prayers, and participate in community events.
• Ashura: This day commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims observe Ashura with mourning processions, self-flagellation rituals, and special prayers.

The exact dates of Islamic holidays vary depending on the sighting of the moon. The Ministry of Interior announces the official holidays based on lunar cycles.

National Holidays

National holidays commemorate Pakistan's history and national identity.

• Pakistan Day (March 23): This day marks the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, demanding a separate homeland for Muslims in British India. Pakistanis celebrate with parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and speeches highlighting national unity.
• Independence Day (August 14): This day commemorates Pakistan's independence from British rule in 1947. Celebrations include national anthems, fireworks displays, and cultural performances.
• Kashmir Day (February 5): This day expresses solidarity with the people of Kashmir and their struggle for self-determination. Pakistanis hold rallies and raise awareness about the Kashmir issue.

Other Public Holidays

Other public holidays recognize various social and cultural aspects of Pakistani society.

• Labour Day (May 1): This international day celebrates the achievements of workers and promotes workers' rights. Trade unions organize rallies and demonstrations to highlight labor issues.
• Iqbal Day (November 9): This day honors the birth anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned poet and philosopher who played a significant role in Pakistan's independence movement. Educational institutions and literary circles organize special tributes.
• Quaid-e-Azam Day (December 25): This day marks the birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. People pay homage to his leadership and vision in creating an independent Muslim state.
• Christmas (December 25): A public holiday for the Christian community in Pakistan, Christmas is a time for religious observances, family gatherings, and gift-giving.

In Pakistan, labor laws outline various types of leave that employees can utilize. These leave categories can be broadly divided into paid and unpaid leave.

Paid Leave

Annual Leave

According to The Factories Act, 1934, every employee who completes twelve months of continuous service is entitled to 14 consecutive days of annual leave during the following twelve months. This leave is also likely to be applicable to most employees under the Shops and Establishments Ordinance, 1965.

• Payment: Employees are entitled to their full daily wages while on annual leave.
• Carryover: Unused leave can be carried forward to the next year, but the maximum accumulation allowed is generally 14 days.

Sick Leave

The Factories Act offers 16 days of sick leave with half pay per year. However, provincial variations exist. The Shops and Establishments Ordinance offers 10 days of sick leave with full pay.

• Long-term Illness: The Sindh and Punjab leave rules recognize long-term illness due to specific conditions and entitle employees to extended sick leave with pay.

Casual Leave

Both the Factories Act and the Shops and Establishments Ordinance provide for 10 days of casual leave with full pay per year.

Unpaid Leave

Extraordinary Leave (Leave Without Pay)

The Federal Revised Leave Rules, 1980, allow government employees to avail themselves of extraordinary leave for up to a maximum of five years subject to certain conditions. Private sector companies may have their own policies regarding unpaid leave.

Hajj Leave

Muslim employees can request leave to perform Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. The leave policy for Hajj may vary depending on the employer.