The Sindh government has announced a public holiday for all schools and colleges in the province on the occasion of Shab-e-Meraj.
A notification from the School Education and Literacy Department said that both government and private educational institutions will remain closed on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The notification added that the decision was made following a resolution approved by the Sub-Committee of the Steering Committee on Education in a meeting held on November 28, 2024.
Shab-e-Meraj
Muslims observe Shab-e-Meraj every year on the 27th of Rajab.
The night marks the Isra, a journey, and Meraj, the ascension, of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ.
He was taken on a special journey to meet Allah according to Muslim belief.
He crossed the seven skies on a heavenly animal called ‘al-Buraq’.
Therefore, Shab-e-Meraj is considered a very important and holy night in Islam.
It is observed with worship, prayers, and seeking forgiveness from Allah.
On this night, people recite the Quran, offer voluntary prayers, intend to fast, and ask for Allah’s mercy.
Special gatherings are also held in mosques and Islamic centres.
Holiday announced across Sindh
Previously, all private schools and colleges in Sindh remained closed on January 9.
The closure came after private education associations announced a province-wide protest against what they called harassment by anti-corruption officials.
The associations said the actions are an attack on the dignity and independence of educational institutions.
Since January 9 falls on a Friday, students in Sindh got a three-day holiday. It included Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Grand Alliance of Private School Associations announced during a press conference, according to reports.
The alliance represents sixteen private education bodies operating in both urban and rural districts of Sindh.
They also declared January 8 as a Black Day and urged parents, teachers, and school administrations to join them against what they described as illegal interference.
