ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior has retracted its earlier decision to cancel public holiday on Iqbal Day and issued a fresh notification, confirming there will be a holiday on November 9.

he ministry was taken to exception by the public for its earlier announcement on social media.  The government had not underlined any reason for cancellation of the public holiday.

It had said in an earlier notification, “November 9, (Monday) will be a working day. All the offices and education institutes would remain open as per routine.”

Iqbal Day is celebrated throughout Pakistan on 9th November, on the occasion of the poet’s birth anniversary. Allama Iqbal, one of the greatest Muslim poets to have lived ever, was an instrumental figure in the creation of Pakistan. He not only rallied for the cause of Pakistan but also enchanted Muslims with his gifted verses and versatile poetry.

Below is the list of public and optional holidays as issued by the Ministry of Interior.

List of public holidays — 2015

List of optional holidays — 2015