Govt Announces Holidays on June 25 and 26 for Ashura
News Desk
Islamabad:The federal government has announced public holidays across Pakistan on the occasion of Ashura (9th and 10th Muharram-ul-Haram), while the Cabinet Division has issued a formal notification in this regard.
According to the notification, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved public holidays on June 25 and 26, 2026 (Thursday and Friday), corresponding to the 9th and 10th of Muharram 1448 Hijri.
The notification states that the decision has been made in continuation of the Cabinet Division’s circular issued on January 19, 2026, which outlined the official and optional public holidays for the year. The holidays will apply to all government offices operating under both five-day and six-day work schedules.
Security Measures in Islamabad
Authorities have imposed a ban on motorcycle pillion riding in the federal capital during Ashura as part of enhanced security arrangements. However, mobile phone services will remain operational.
Sindh Also Declares Public Holidays
The Sindh government has likewise announced public holidays on June 25 and 26 for Ashura.
According to a notification issued by the Sindh Home Department, all government and private institutions, educational establishments, and offices across the province will remain closed during the two-day period.
Significance of Ashura
Ashura is observed in Pakistan and around the world to commemorate the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his family in the battle of Karbala. Special religious gatherings and mourning processions are held throughout Muharram to honor their legacy.
In view of these events, authorities have implemented extensive security measures nationwide and directed relevant institutions to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.
Punjab on High Alert
Security has been placed on high alert across Punjab during Muharram-ul-Haram. According to Punjab Police, more than 45,000 officers and personnel have been deployed across the province.
Officials reported that 925 mourning processions and 3,922 religious gatherings are being held across Punjab, while Lahore alone is hosting 56 processions and 425 gatherings under special security arrangements.
Inspector General (IG) Punjab stated that strict enforcement of Section 144 will be ensured throughout Muharram. A complete ban remains in place on aerial firing, the display of weapons, and the dissemination of hate material.
Authorities have also made it clear that no procession or gathering will be allowed outside approved routes and designated locations. Strict legal action will be taken against individuals spreading sectarian or hateful content on social media.
AI-Assisted Security Plan Introduced
For the first time, Punjab has implemented an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted security strategy for Muharram.
Police officials said an AI-based early warning system has been activated to identify potential threats in advance. Security records of sensitive processions and gatherings from the past ten years have been digitized, allowing authorities to conduct updated risk assessments and security grading.
The Punjab Emergency Eye software has also been fully activated for real-time monitoring of sensitive processions. The system will provide continuous updates to the central control room from the beginning to the conclusion of each procession.
Officials added that security deployments in major cities, including Lahore, can be adjusted based on AI-generated alerts. Geo-mapping of sensitive locations has been completed, and high-risk routes have been identified to strengthen preventive security measures. Additional input from Aaj News Urdu website.
