Good News! Pakistanis to get two public holidays next month

The Islamic month of Muharram is expected to start in Pakistan on Friday, June 27, based on moon sighting forecasts. This means Ashura, which is the 10th of Muharram, will likely be observed on Sunday, July 6.

In Pakistan, public holidays are traditionally given on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. However, this year both of those days fall on a weekend — Saturday and Sunday — so government employees are not expected to get any extra days off.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, led by Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, will meet in Quetta on Thursday to officially sight the moon. Similar meetings will also be held in other major cities like Lahore.

Muharram is observed with great respect by Muslims around the world. In Pakistan, the 9th and 10th of Muharram are marked by religious gatherings and processions to honor the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Karbala.