The federal government declared public holidays on July 5 and 6 on the occasion of Ashura in the holy month of Muharram.
These dates mark Ashura, observed on Muharram 9 and 10.
Ashura remembers the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions in Karbala.
The Cabinet Division issued the notification.
The Prime Minister approved the holidays for Saturday and Sunday in 2025.
The decision follows a 2024 circular from the Cabinet Division. It listed holidays for 2025.
The holidays apply to all federal offices. Provincial governments will issue their own notifications.
The government tightened security for Muharram. This is due to large gatherings and processions. Surveillance increased around Imambargahs.
Last week, PM Shehbaz Sharif held a cabinet meeting. He ordered strict law and order during Muharram events. Sharif told the interior minister to work with provinces.
He also included Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The goal is to maintain peace.
Mohsin Naqvi said a security plan is ready. It aims to stop troublemakers and boost surveillance.
Naqvi visited an Imambargah this week. He said security forces are on high alert. The forces will stop any attacks. The government approved the army deployment.
The army will support all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Local administrations requested this. The army will help the civil administration as needed during Muharram.
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