The federal government has declared a two-day holiday on July 16 and 17 (Tuesday and Wednesday) to observe Ashura, which falls on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The announcement was made through a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, stating that the Prime Minister has approved the public holiday to mark the religious occasion.
The government has also taken measures to ensure security during Muharram, approving the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces across the country. The interior ministry notification stated that the deployment details will be finalized with the relevant authorities, including the governments of Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad. The deployment will be enforced for an indefinite period, with the date of de-requisitioning to be decided later.
Additionally, provincial governments, including Punjab, have requested the federal government to suspend social media platforms for a week to curb the spread of hate material. However, no decision has been taken yet, and any action will be taken after consulting with the provinces, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Hundreds of processions are staged across the country during Muharram 9 and 10, and the government’s announcement aims to facilitate Muslims observing the religious occasion with grief and sorrow. The military deployment ensures the safety and security of citizens during this period.
