PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced official leave across the province in observance of Ashura for the year 2026.
According to a notification from the Provincial Administration Department, public holidays will be observed on June 25 and June 26 throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During these days, all government offices and institutions will remain shut in accordance with the religious significance of Ashura.
The department has officially issued the notification to relevant authorities to ensure proper implementation of the holiday schedule province-wide.
In addition, the Sindh government has declared public holidays on the 9th and 10th of Muharram across the province. This decision was conveyed through a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior. These dates correspond to June 25 and June 26, respectively, in the Gregorian calendar.
To maintain security during these days, strict measures have been put in place nationwide, including the possibility of suspending cellular services to prevent any untoward incidents.
Last week, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, announced that the crescent for Muharram 1448 Hijri was not sighted. Consequently, the Islamic New Year will begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The moon-sighting meeting was held at Iqbal Hall, Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, with additional sessions conducted by provincial and regional committees in various cities across the country.
