The federal government has declared June 25 and 26, 2026, Thursday and Friday, as public holidays on account of 9th and 10th Muharram 1448 A.H., Ashura.
According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the holidays have been announced in continuation of the government’s earlier circular No. 10-01/2026-Min-II dated January 19, 2026, regarding public and optional holidays for the year.
The notification stated that the Prime Minister has approved declaring both days public holidays to mark the religious observance of Muharram. The holidays will be observed by all government offices and institutions operating under both five-day and six-day working week schedules.
Ashura, observed on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, holds significant religious importance for Muslims and is commemorated nationwide through religious gatherings, processions, and prayers.
Government departments and public offices will remain closed on the designated dates, while provincial administrations are expected to make necessary arrangements to facilitate religious observances and maintain law and order during the period.
On the occasion of 9th Muharram, mourning processions will take place in both small and large cities across the country, while strict security arrangements will be implemented along the procession routes.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad
More than 18 religious processions would be taken out on 9th Muharram-ul-Haram on Thursday in different parts of the city to commemorate the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his family, and companions.
The main Islamabad procession will start from Markazi Imambargah, Sector G-6/2, and conclude at the same location after passing through its pre-approved route, which includes Luqman Hakeem Road, G-6 Service Road, Saddar Road, and Street 33.
On the other hand, on the 7th of Muharram, the main Mehndi procession will begin from an Imambargah in Sadiqabad. In view of the procession, no central Majalis will be held in the city, although women’s gatherings will continue as usual. A second major Mehndi procession will start from New Mohalla on Iqbal Road after Isha prayers, and both processions will eventually merge on Iqbal Road.
On the 8th of Muharram, Alam processions will be taken out from various Imambargahs and will continue throughout the night along designated routes. The 9th of Muharram will feature central Zuljanah processions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi Saddar.
On Ashura, six main processions, including Zuljanah, Alam, Tazia, Jhoola, and Mehndi processions, will be held across Rawalpindi. Authorities have installed around 350 CCTV cameras along the routes for monitoring and security.
The area from Fawara Chowk to Dingi Khoi Chowk has been declared highly sensitive, with Rangers deployed in nearby locations. Police and other law enforcement agencies will also conduct daily flag marches from the 7th to the 10th of Muharram to ensure security.
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