Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approves the holidays, which would fall on June 25 and June 26, 2026
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 22nd, 2026) The Federal government has declared public holidays on the 9th and 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram, 1448 AH, in observance of Ashura, one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic Calendar.
An official notification issued by the Cabinet Division said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the holidays, which would fall on June 25 and June 26, 2026. The decision applies to government offices and institutions operating under both five-day and six-day work schedules across the country.
Earlier, the Sindh government had also announced public holidays on the same dates to facilitate religious observances and ensure smooth arrangements during the mourning processions and gatherings associated with Ashura.
Muharram-ul-Haram, the first month of the Islamic year, began on June 14, 2026, marking the start of the year 1448 AH.
Across Pakistan, preparations are underway to manage religious events taking place during the first ten days of Muharram.
In Karachi, law enforcement agencies have finalized extensive security measures for Muharram processions and gatherings. Police authorities have introduced a permit system for vehicles participating in the main processions scheduled from the 8th to the 10th of Muharram.
The officials stated that applications for vehicle permits could be submitted at the DIG Traffic Karachi Office, Garden Headquarters, between June 22 and June 23. Applicants are required to provide relevant documentation, including vehicle registration details, identification documents, photographs of drivers, and authorization letters from their respective organizations.
The local authorities clarified that the permits would only be issued to approved entities, including law enforcement agencies, registered organizations, ambulance services, and accredited media institutions. Unregistered vehicles, drivers, and individuals would not be eligible for permits.
The police warned that providing incorrect information, violating permit conditions, or failing to cooperate during security checks might result in immediate cancellation of authorization and further legal action.
