Peshawar: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has announced a public holiday across the province on the occasion of 1st Muharram-ul-Haram, marking the start of the new Islamic year.
According to the Administration Department, the holiday will officially take effect in accordance with the final decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
A formal notification has been issued, confirming that all government offices and relevant educational or public institutions will remain closed.
Meanwhile, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to meet today at the historic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore to sight the crescent moon for Muharram-ul-Haram, 1448 AH.
The meeting will be chaired by Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad and attended by representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, provincial committees, religious scholars of various schools of thought, as well as technical experts from SPARCO and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Meteorological experts have noted that due to the young age of the moon, the chances of sighting the crescent today are slim, making it highly likely that 1st Muharram will fall on Wednesday, June 17.
Religious Public Holidays in Pakistan
Public holidays dedicated to religious commemorations hold immense cultural, spiritual, and social significance in Pakistan. As an Islamic Republic, the state’s official calendar is intimately tied to the lunar Hijri calendar, balancing federal mandates with deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
| Religious Occasion | Duration | Significance & Observance |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | 3–4 Days | Marks the end of Ramadan; characterized by national celebrations, family gatherings, and charity. |
| Eid-ul-Adha | 3 Days | Commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS); involves nationwide ritual animal sacrifices. |
| Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram) | 2 Days | Solemn days of mourning for the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA); marked by massive processions and stringent security. |
| Eid Milad-ul-Nabi | 1 Day | Observes the birth anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with lights, conferences, and processions. |
| Shab-e-Barat & 1st Muharram | 1 Day | Days of prayer and reflection. 1st Muharram is often observed as a provincial holiday (as seen in KPK or Sindh) to honor the martyrdom of Hazrat Umar (RA) and the Islamic New Year. |
Beyond Islam, Pakistan also officially observes holidays for its minority communities, such as Christmas for Christians and Diwali or Holi for Hindus, reflecting a foundational respect for diverse religious memories. These holidays are more than just days off from work; they serve as vital periods for communal bonding, religious duties, and historical reflection across the country.
