February could turn into a festive and relaxing month for residents of Punjab as the provincial government reviews a proposal to declare Wednesday, February 4, a public holiday on account of Shab-e-Barat. If approved, the move may result in multiple consecutive holidays across the province.
Although no official notification has been issued yet, government circles suggest the proposal is under active consideration. A Shab-e-Barat holiday would benefit government employees, private sector workers, students, and businesses, giving many people an extended break in the middle of the week.
Separately, the Punjab government has already confirmed a local holiday in Lahore on February 6 to facilitate Basant Festival celebrations. The decision was taken following recommendations from the district administration, which emphasized the need for better crowd management and public safety.
With Friday already a regular holiday, Lahore residents could enjoy a four-day long weekend from Thursday to Sunday. Officials believe the additional holiday will help reduce traffic congestion and ensure smoother movement during festivities.
Authorities have stressed the importance of safety, discipline, and organized celebrations. Parents have also been advised to ensure that children under 18 participate in Basant activities only under family supervision, as maintaining public order remains a top priority.