The Punjab government has declared August 4 a local holiday in Lahore district on the occasion of the annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA). Meanwhile, authorities have decided to partially suspend the Rawalpindi Metro Bus Service due to the main procession marking the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), the local holiday will apply to all district offices operating under the Deputy Commissioner Lahore and other related government offices. However, the Punjab Civil Secretariat, autonomous bodies, corporations, authorities, and regional offices will remain open and continue normal operations.
The Punjab government said the holiday has been declared to facilitate religious events associated with the annual Urs, ensure the convenience of pilgrims, and strengthen security arrangements. Thousands of devotees from across the country are expected to visit Data Darbar, prompting enhanced security measures.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi district administration has ordered a partial suspension of the Metro Bus Service due to the central Chehlum procession.
According to the Metro Bus administration, Metro Bus service between Saddar Station and Faizabad will remain suspended on August 4, while operations from IJP Road Station to Pak Secretariat will continue as usual.
Authorities have advised commuters to check the traffic plan and make alternative travel arrangements before leaving home, as traffic disruptions are expected along the procession routes.
The district administration said extraordinary security measures have been put in place for the Chehlum, with additional police personnel, traffic wardens, and other law enforcement officials to be deployed along the procession routes to ensure foolproof security for mourners and minimise inconvenience to the public.
Local holidays announced in various cities across Pakistan for August 4
Local holidays have been announced in different cities across Pakistan on August 4 for various reasons.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Muzaffarabad, a public holiday will be observed in LA-27 and LA-28 constituencies of Muzaffarabad district due to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir general elections. The holiday will facilitate polling in the Muzaffarabad-1 and Muzaffarabad-2 constituencies.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government has announced the closure of educational institutions across the province on August 4 to mark the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
The Sindh School Education Department has issued a notification stating that all public and private schools will remain closed on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 (20 Safar 1448 AH). The closure will also apply to all public and private colleges across Sindh.
The notification confirms that the decision is applicable to all educational institutions throughout the province.
Also read: Sindh announces holiday on August 4