Public holiday speculation: September 6 or 16?

ISLAMABAD: As the first week of September rumbles on, debate over the potential public holiday is gaining momentum. In particular, as September 6 approaches, the biggest question on everyone’s mind: Will there be a public holiday on Defence Day?

The other holidays making the rounds of discussion online is September 16 – Eid Milad-un-Nabi in Pakistan.

Read more: Defence day: Ministry of Information clarifies September 6 holiday notification

Defence Day is traditionally observed every year on September 6 to commemorate Pakistan army’s accomplishments in the 1965 war with India. However, the Federal Cabinet Division’s recent announcement indicates that the day will not be designated a public holiday in 2024.

The possibility of September 6 being declared a public holiday looms large, with children hoping to skip school for an extended weekend and adults seeking a break from their work routine. Many are hopeful the government will announce a public holiday, similar to the public declaration made for Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28.

Similarly, September 16 is officially acknowledged as a public holiday for Eid Milad-un-Nabi, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The confirmation of the public depends on the moon sighting.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee are on the task, scheduled to declare the beginning of the new Islamic month.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had to issue a statement on Wednesday clarifying that any circulating notification regarding a public holiday on September 6 were fake.

Read more: Ruet body to meet on Wednesday for sighting of Rabiul Awwal moon

The Ministry’s Fact Checker called on the public to depend on reliable sources for information.

As the dates approach, uncertainty remains regarding extra holidays that all of us crave. After all, who can resist the allure of a long, three-day weekend instead of the usual two? It’s like finding an extra plate of biryani when you thought your family had eaten all!