ISLAMABAD: Two public holidays are expected across Pakistan later this month in connection with Muharram-ul-Haram, as authorities await the official moon sighting to confirm the Islamic calendar.
According to preliminary astronomical estimates, 9th and 10th Muharram observed as Ashura are likely to fall on June 25 and 26. However, officials have clarified that the final confirmation of dates will depend on the announcement of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee following moon sighting.
Public holidays on 9th and 10th Muharram have been declared conventionally by the government in Pakistan, and all government offices, private institutions, banks, and schools observe closure on these dates. Official confirmation about the starting dates comes in immediately following the announcement from the government regarding the starting dates of the Islamic month.
It is expected that the Muharram moon will not be visible on June 15 based on current astronomical projections. If there are 30 days completed for Zilhijjah, then Muharram will start on June 17 which means that Ashura will be observed on June 26.
According to SUPARCO, the chances of the moon visibility for Muharram are not great on the expected date.
KP Announces Holiday for 1st Muharram Across Province
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has declared a province-wide public holiday on the occasion of 1st Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH, with the implementation of the holiday dependent on the official announcement regarding moon sighting by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
According to an official notification issued by the provincial Administration Department, the holiday will be observed across the province once the commencement of the new Islamic month is formally confirmed.
The notification further clarified that 1st Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH (2026) will be treated as a public holiday, subject to the sighting of the moon by the Markazi Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan.
