Public Holiday Declared On Dec 5 — A Complete Guide for 2025. A public holiday declared on Dec 5 has created a wave of curiosity among residents of Sheikhupura and nearby areas. If you’re wondering why December 5 is a holiday, here’s the quick answer: the Punjab government has officially announced a district-wide holiday due to the PP-139 (Ferozewala) by-election. This update matters for voters, businesses, schools, and public offices—so here’s everything you need to know.
Public Holiday on December 5 — What Happened and Why It Matters
A public holiday on Dec 5, 2025, has been officially notified in the Sheikhupura district of Punjab, linked directly to the by-elections scheduled for the PP-139 Ferozewala constituency. The notification was issued by the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, confirming that all public offices, educational institutions, and local administrative departments will remain closed on election day.
This declaration follows the standard practice of facilitating smooth electoral processes, ensuring maximum voter participation and providing administrative support to election teams.
Why is December 5 Declared a Public Holiday?
1. By-Election in PP-139 Ferozewala
The central reason behind the holiday is a by-election in Punjab Assembly constituency PP-139 (Ferozewala).
This seat became vacant after the unfortunate passing of Rana Afzal Hussain, who had previously secured the position following Rana Tanveer Hussain’s resignation. Due to this vacancy, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) scheduled a by-poll for December 5.
2. Facilitation for Voters
Declaring a public holiday ensures that:
- Voters face no difficulty reaching polling stations
- Public transport and administration remain available
- Schools (often used as polling stations) remain free for ECP use
3. Administrative Smoothness
ECP has already appointed key officers to supervise the election:
District Returning Officer
- Shahid Imran Marth (Deputy Commissioner Sheikhupura)
Returning Officer
- Usman Jalees (Additional Deputy Commissioner – Revenue)
Assistant Returning Officers
- Muhammad Adeel Khan (Assistant Commissioner Ferozewala)
- Rana Bakhtiar Ahmad (Deputy District Education Officer Ferozewala)
These appointments play a key role in organizing fair and transparent elections.
Official Notification for December 5 Holiday
The Deputy Commissioner’s Office Sheikhupura issued the formal notification, confirming:
- Public offices closed
- Schools & colleges closed
- Local government offices closed
- Polling stations to remain fully active
Key Points from Notification
- Holiday is applicable only within Sheikhupura district
- Issued under the authority of the Punjab Government
- Applicable on December 5 only
- Holiday is for the purpose of conducting a peaceful by-election
Understanding the Significance of PP-139 Ferozewala By-Election
The constituency holds political and demographic significance. Here’s a quick summary:
PP-139 Snapshot
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Constituency Name | PP-139 Ferozewala |
| District | Sheikhupura |
| Election Type | By-Election |
| Reason | Death of sitting MPA Rana Afzal Hussain |
| Holiday Date | December 5 |
| Authority | Deputy Commissioner Sheikhupura & ECP |
| Voter Turnout Expected | Higher due to public holiday |
Impact of Public Holiday on Local Residents
1. Educational Institutions
All schools and colleges—government and private—will remain closed.
Many schools in Ferozewala are designated polling stations, so closure is necessary.
2. Public Offices and Secretariat
Government departments, including:
- Revenue offices
- Tehsil offices
- Local administration departments
…will not operate on December 5.
3. Banks & Private Businesses
The holiday does not automatically apply to private businesses or banks unless a separate notification is issued.
However, many local businesses choose to remain closed or operate for limited hours during elections.
4. Traffic Plan & Security
ECP and district administration typically implement:
- Special security deployment
- Managed traffic flow
- Additional police presence at polling stations
What Should Voters Know for Dec 5?
Check Your Polling Station
Voters should verify their polling station through:
- ECP SMS service (8300)
- ECP website
- Local district offices
Carry CNIC
Only original CNIC is required for voting.
Photocopies are not accepted.
Follow Polling Timings
Expected timing for polling:
- 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM without interruption
Maintain Discipline
Elections often come with long queues, so voters are advised to:
- Arrive early
- Avoid political arguments
- Follow security instructions
Local Reaction to Public Holiday Announcement
Residents of Sheikhupura welcomed the decision of a holiday because:
- It allows smoother voting
- Reduces school traffic
- Helps maintain a secure environment
Business owners had mixed responses, depending on customer flow and locality.
Political Context Behind PP-139 By-Election
A quick glance at recent political history:
1. Rana Tanveer Hussain’s Resignation
Initially elected but vacated seat → triggering first by-election.
2. Rana Afzal Hussain’s Election and Death
Won the by-election → seat fell vacant after his death → triggering the December 5 election.
This makes PP-139 a notable region with back-to-back electoral activity.
FAQs
1. Is December 5 a public holiday in all of Punjab?
No. The holiday is restricted to the Sheikhupura district only.
2. Why was the PP-139 seat vacant?
The seat became vacant after the death of Rana Afzal Hussain, the elected MPA.
3. What is the purpose of declaring a holiday during by-elections?
To facilitate voter participation and ensure smooth electoral management.
4. Will schools remain closed on Dec 5?
Yes, all public and private schools in Sheikhupura will remain closed.
5. Is the ECP directly overseeing the PP-139 by-election?
Yes, ECP has appointed returning officers and assistant officers specifically for this by-election.
Conclusion
The declaration of a public holiday on Dec 5 reflects the government’s commitment to smooth, fair, and accessible elections in Sheikhupura’s PP-139 Ferozewala constituency. Whether you’re a voter, a student, an employee, or a business owner, this update helps you plan ahead for election day.
