The Federal Government has announced holidays on July 5 and 6 (corresponding to Muharram 9 and 10) for Mark Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in Karbala.
According to a notification issued by the Division of the Cabinet, “the Prime Minister has pleased to declare on July 5 and 6, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday) as holidays on the occasion of Ashura (Ninth and 10 of Moharram 1447 AH)”.
The announcement was made in the continuation of the anterior circular of the Cabinet Division, issued on December 23, 2024, which describes the calendar of holidays by 2025.
The holidays will apply to all federal government offices. Provincial governments are expected to issue separate notifications in alignment with the federal announcement.
In advance of large meetings and processions, the government has hardened security measures throughout the country, particularly around Imambargahs. Surveillance has been improved to avoid adverse incidents.
Read more: PM orders the authorities to guarantee security during Muharram
Last week, while presided over a federal cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the authorities to guarantee a strict law and order during processions related to Muharram and Majalis.
He instructed the Interior Minister to coordinate with the provincial governments, as well as with the administrations in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmira, to maintain peace and security during the holy month.
Mohsin Naqvi declared that an integral security plan had been completed to verify criminals and guarantee high -level surveillance during Muharram.
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Earlier this week, during a visit to an Imambargah, the minister said the security forces had been put on alert to frustrate any “dire design of cowardly enemies.”
In addition, he noted that the approval for the deployment of the Pakistan army in all provinces, including Cashmiro and Gilgit-Baltistan, at the request of local administrations.
The Army, he added, will remain available to support the Civil Administration as necessary to guarantee peace and order during the month.
