Islamabad, Pakistan : Federal government has announced Muharram 1448 AH dates in absence of the sighting of moon on the evening of Monday. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has officially announced the date for the commencement of Muharram according to the official notification issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, after the announcement was made by the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee.
The committee met in Lahore and after a detailed discussion of moon sighting reports received from all over the country, it made its decision.
Ashura Holidays Revised Following Muharram Moon Sighting
The dates of the annual public holidays on the 9th and 10th of Muharram have also been changed with the beginning of Muharram officially being declared.
Previously, the federal government had identified June 24 and 25, 2026, as part of its annual holiday calendar in January. But the most recent moon sighting has led to a new list of dates for Ashura holidays.
The revised list of public holiday is likely to be celebrated on:
- 9th Muharram: Thursday, June 25, 2026
- 10th Muharram (Ashura): Friday, June 26, 2026
Significance of Muharram and Ashura
Muharram is considered one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar and is the first month of the Islamic New Year. Ashura, which falls on the 10th day of Muharram, is a day of special religious significance for Muslims globally and is commemorated by prayers, assemblies and remembrance ceremonies.
Public and Institutions Await Official Holiday Notifications
The new dates for the holidays are significant for government institutions, school dates, business dates and tourists who plan their holidays around the Ashura celebration.
Instructions have been given to the citizens to follow the notifications given by their respective departments and institutions about the holidays and working hours.
Authorities Prepare for Muharram Arrangements
With the festival of Muharram fast approaching, security and administrative arrangements are expected to be completed to ensure peaceful observation, across the nation.
In the past, during the month of Muharram, special arrangements were made within law enforcement agencies and local government to ensure the safety of the public and easy movement of processions.
Since the confirmation of the month of Muharram 1448 AH which has started on 17th June 2026, the dates of Ashura holiday have been revised in Pakistan. The country is now expected to witness the public holidays on June 25 and June 26, 2026, which fall on the 9th and 10th of Muharram respectively.
Religious ceremonies, prayers and commemorative functions will be organized all over the country and preparations are ongoing for smooth and peaceful celebration of the occasion.
