Govt employees to get four holidays next week – Check schedule

LAHORE – The new Islamic year will begin on June 17 following the non-sighting of the Muharram crescent on June 15. 9th Muharram will be observed on June 25 (Thursday), and 10th Muharram, Youm-e-Ashura, will be marked on June 26 (Friday). The dates were announced after the moon was not sighted, which has shifted the Islamic calendar accordingly. The federal government traditionally announces public holidays on 9th and 10th Muharram each year to facilitate religious gatherings, processions, and security arrangements across the country. An official notification regarding the holidays is expected to be issued soon to confirm the final schedule. Long Weekend Following the Ashura holidays on June 25 and 26 (Thursday and Friday), the weekend falls on Saturday and Sunday, resulting in a continuous four-day break for government employees. Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has declared a public holiday on 1st Muharram 1448 AH across the province. The decision has been formally notified by the provincial administration, confirming a province-wide closure of government offices on the occasion. Authorities are expected to implement security and administrative measures across the country during Muharram to ensure peaceful observance of religious events.