Pakistan Declares Public Holiday on July 16-17 for Ashura Observance
Ashura, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, is a significant event for Shia Muslims as they mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson, in the battle of Karbala.
This occasion sees hundreds of thousands of Shia Muslims in Pakistan participating in religious gatherings and processions to mourn Imam Hussain (AS).
"The Prime Minister has been pleased to declare 16th and 17th July, 2024 (Tuesday and Wednesday) as public holidays on the occasion of Ashura (9th and 10th Moharram 1446 AH)," the Cabinet Division stated in a notification, Arab News reported on Tuesday.
Muharram processions and gatherings are conducted under tight security due to past attacks by militant groups in Pakistan, which have resulted in hundreds of casualties.
Last week, Pakistan’s interior ministry announced that no decision had been made regarding requests from provinces to suspend Internet service to ensure security during Muharram.
Additionally, Punjab, the country's most populous province, proposed a six-day ban on all social media platforms due to security concerns surrounding the numerous religious processions.
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Muharram is the first month in the lunar Hijri calendar.
Shia Muslims, and others in different parts of the world, hold ceremonies every year in the month of Muharram to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions.
The third Shia Imam (AS) and a small group of his followers and family members were martyred by the tyrant of his time - Yazid Bin Muawiya, in the battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram (known as Ashura) in the year 680 AD.
Source: Agencies
