PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced a two-day public holiday on the occasion of Ashura, with all government, semi-government, private offices, educational institutions, and commercial markets set to remain closed across the province on 25 and 26 June.
It has been officially informed through a notification from the provincial administration department that the holiday will be observed on 9th and 10th Muharram (Ashura).
The notification has informed that this decision has been made in order to observe the event of Ashura and also to ensure security and peace during religious gatherings and processions which may take place.
It has been further instructed to all relevant departments and district administrations to ensure law and order during this period of time through proper arrangements.
It is being highlighted by the provincial government that closing of offices and markets will only serve the purpose of peaceful observance of the event of Ashura and no disruptions should occur.
Arrangements regarding security will be increased throughout the major cities and districts due to religious processions and gatherings.
BRT services to be suspended on Ashura in Peshawar
Meanwhile, amid extraordinary security arrangements, BRT services will be suspended on Ashura in Peshawar, while police and law enforcement agencies across the province have been placed on high alert.
Moreover, eight districts in the province have been classified as highly sensitive, while six districts have been designated as sensitive. Strict security measures have been implemented for 614 Imambargahs and 907 mourning processions scheduled during Muharram.
Under the security plan, 43,317 police personnel will be deployed across the province, supported by more than 12,000 additional security officials. Authorities said mobile phone services will remain completely suspended in highly sensitive areas, while partial service restrictions may be imposed at other sensitive locations. Due to security concerns, several commercial centres and markets within the city will also remain closed.
Meanwhile, Peshawar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service will remain fully suspended on the 9th and 10th of Muharram as part of the security arrangements. Earlier, the federal government had declared June 25 and 26, 2026, Thursday and Friday, as public holidays on account of the 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.
