Ashura holidays shifted? Here’s when Pakistan is now expected to observe them

If you were planning around the Ashura holidays, you may need to update your calendar.

The federal government has confirmed that Muharram 1448 AH will begin on June 17 after the moon was not sighted on Monday evening, a development that is expected to shift the dates of the Ashura public holidays.

The announcement came after the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee met in Lahore to review moon sighting reports received from across the country. Following the meeting, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that the first day of Muharram would fall on June 17.

The decision has a direct impact on the Ashura holidays announced earlier this year.

Under the federal government's annual public holidays calendar, Ashura holidays had initially been expected on June 24 and 25. However, with Muharram beginning a day later than anticipated, the holidays are now expected to be observed on June 25 and 26 instead.

An updated notification regarding the revised holiday dates is expected from the government.

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is among the most significant months in the Islamic calendar. The first ten days of the month, particularly Ashura, are observed across Pakistan through majalis, processions and religious gatherings.

With the dates now effectively confirmed, authorities are expected to begin rolling out detailed security and traffic plans for Muharram observances across major cities in the coming days.