A fake notification circulating on social media has caused confusion among citizens, falsely claiming that Islamabad authorities announced a three-day holiday for schools, colleges, and offices from October 14 to 16, 2025. Officials have now categorically denied issuing any such order, clarifying that no public holidays have been declared for this period.
The viral message, shared widely across platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter), alleged that all educational institutions in Islamabad and nearby regions would remain closed for three days due to unspecified reasons. However, government representatives have confirmed that the notification is entirely fabricated and misleading.
No Official Holiday Notification Issued
According to government sources, no federal or local authority has released a circular regarding the closure of offices or academic institutions. Officials emphasized that the document being shared online bears no official seal or verification marks from any recognized department.
Citizens were urged to rely solely on authentic and verified channels such as government websites, official social media handles, or credible media outlets for updates. Sharing or forwarding such misinformation, officials warned, can lead to unnecessary panic and confusion.
Public Urged to Verify Information Before Sharing
Authorities have also cautioned the public against spreading unverified claims or fabricated government notifications. They reminded citizens that disseminating false information falls under Pakistan’s cybercrime laws, which may result in legal consequences for those found responsible for creating or forwarding fake news.
In recent months, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in fake notifications on social media, particularly concerning public holidays, examination schedules, and fuel price changes. Officials highlighted that digital misinformation campaigns often exploit social media algorithms to spread quickly, misleading a large number of people before verification can take place.
Officials Reaffirm Commitment to Transparency
Government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to transparent communication with the public. They assured that any decision regarding official holidays or closures will be promptly announced through the Press Information Department (PID), Ministry of Education, or other verified government channels.
Citizens were reminded that no official decision has been made to suspend operations of educational institutions or government offices between October 14 and 16. All schools, colleges, and workplaces in Islamabad are expected to function as usual unless an official notification states otherwise.
The Growing Challenge of Digital Misinformation
The rise of social media misinformation continues to challenge government agencies, particularly when fake alerts mimic authentic notifications. To counter this, digital security experts have urged citizens to cross-check every circular or statement before sharing it with others.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing is reportedly monitoring the situation and tracking the source of the fake holiday circular. Officials encouraged users to report suspicious content to relevant authorities or through official government complaint portals.
There are no announced holidays for Islamabad from October 14 to 16. The viral message circulating online is false and unauthorized. Citizens are advised to ignore such claims and follow verified government sources for accurate and timely updates.
