Muharram 2025: govt announces public holidays on July 5, 6

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has declared July 5 and 6 (Saturday and Sunday) as public holidays across the country in observance of 9th and 10th Muharram.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Thursday evening, all government offices will remain closed on these two days in connection with Ashura.

The announced public holidays align with the dates specified in the official notification issued by the Cabinet Division at the beginning of the year, marking the ‘public and optional holidays for 2025.’

Sindh government has already declared 5th and 6th July as public holidays to mark Ashura.

A notification issued by the Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of the Sindh Government, all government and semi-government offices will remain closed on Saturday and Sunday. The holidays will also apply to municipal bodies and autonomous institutions operating under the Sindh government.

Muharram security: Punjab imposes section 144

The 9th and 10th Muharram, particularly Ashura, marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in Karbala. The days are observed across the country through religious gatherings and mourning processions.

Authorities have called on citizens to maintain peace and fully cooperate with security personnel during Ashura processions to ensure a safe and respectful atmosphere.

The government had approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and civil armed forces across the country to ensure foolproof security during Muharram.

The army will be deployed under Article 245 of the Constitution, while civil armed forces will operate under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Provincial governments, as well as the administrations of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad, had requested the federal government for additional security support during Muharram.