The federal government has announced two public holidays across the country on the occasion of Ashura, with public offices set to remain closed on June 25 and 26.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification confirming the holidays for Muharram 9 and 10, 1448 AH, which are observed as Ashura across Pakistan.

As part of security arrangements for the religious occasion, the Islamabad administration has imposed a ban on pillion riding in the federal capital.

However, mobile phone services will remain operational during the observances.

Sindh govt announces holiday

Separately, the Sindh government also declared June 25 and 26 as public holidays throughout the province.

In a notification shared by the Sindh Information Department on social media platform X, the provincial government said all offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, corporations and local councils under its administrative control would remain closed, except those providing essential services.

“The government of Sindh hereby declares June 25 and 26, 2026, as public holidays throughout the province of Sindh, on the occasion of Ashura (Muharram 9 and 10, 1448 A.H),” the notification said.

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is observed as a period of mourning, particularly by Shia Muslims around the world.

The month commemorates the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, in which Imam Husain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), was martyred along with his companions and family members.

Religious gatherings, processions and majalis are held across Pakistan during Muharram, with authorities implementing extensive security measures to ensure peaceful observance of the occasion.