KP announces public holiday for Muharram 1

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a public holiday on the first of Muharram 1448 AH.

According to an official notification, the holiday will be observed across the province if the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirms the beginning of the new Islamic year on the expected date.

The decision was taken to facilitate religious observances associated with the start of Muharram, one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar.

Authorities said the final date of the holiday will depend on the official moon-sighting announcement made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee following its meeting to determine the start of Muharram.

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is observed with religious gatherings and commemorative events across the country, particularly leading up to Ashura on the 10th of the month.

The provincial government has directed relevant departments to make necessary arrangements in line with the official moon-sighting decision.