Will there be public holiday on Shab-e-Barat?

ISLAMABAD: As Muslims across Pakistan prepare to observe Shab-e-Barat, questions are being raised about whether the government will announce a public holiday on the occasion.

So far, no official notification has been issued by the federal or provincial governments regarding a public holiday for schools, colleges, universities, or offices on Shab-e-Barat, which is expected to fall on February 3.

Sources said that the matter of declaring a holiday is still under consideration as the government has yet to issue the relevant notification.

Last year, the Sindh government had announced a holiday for educational institutions on Shab-e-Barat. However, no such confirmation has been made yet for this year, leaving students, parents, and employees awaiting clarity.

Shab-e-Barat is observed on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Sha’ban and holds great religious importance for Muslims. The night is associated with prayers, repentance, and seeking forgiveness.

Across Pakistan, special Quran recitations, religious gatherings, seminars, and prayer congregations are organised in mosques and religious centres to mark the occasion.

The public is advised to stay tuned for official announcements regarding any possible public or educational institution holiday on Shab-e-Barat.