Employees likely to enjoy 4-day Ashura weekend, notification awaited

ISLAMABAD: Employees are expected to get a four-day long weekend on the occasion of Ashura; however, the federal government has not yet issued a formal notification regarding the public holidays.

After the moon of Muharram was not sighted in Pakistan on June 15, the new Islamic year 1448 Hijri will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

After the change in the dates of the Hijri calendar due to the moon not being sighted, now the ninth Muharram is likely fall on Thursday, June 25, and the tenth Muharram (Day of Ashura) is likely to be on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Traditionally, the federal government declares 9th and 10th Muharram as public holidays across the country to organize gatherings, mourning processions, and ensure security arrangements.

This year, the weekly holidays of Saturday and Sunday are coming immediately after the official holidays of Ashura on Thursday and Friday (June 25 and 26), due to which government employees will get 4 consecutive long holidays.

However, the federal government has yet to issue a formal notification of the holidays, which will also include administrative and security guidelines for the entire country.

On the other hand, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken a step forward and has also declared 1st Muharram (tomorrow, June 17) as a public holiday across the province, under which all government offices and educational institutions will remain closed by the provincial administration.

Strict security arrangements and administrative measures are being implemented across the country to maintain law and order during Muharram.