Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a public holiday on the first day of Muharram, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The central moon sighting committee is set to convene on July 6 in Quetta to observe the Muharram crescent, marking the commencement of the new Islamic year.

The session will be led by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Simultaneous meetings will also occur in major cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, conducted by respective zonal committees.

The sighting of the Muharram moon is critical as it determines the start of Muharram, which is expected to begin on July 8 this year in Pakistan.

If the moon is sighted on July 6, the first of Muharram in Pakistan will be observed on July 7 and Aushra will fall on July 15 and 16 (Monday and Tuesday).

If the new Islamic year starts on July 7, the Ashura will be observed on July 16 and 17. In this case, the public holidays on Ashura will be observed on July 16 and 17 (Tuesday and Wednesday).

Accordingly, Youm-e-Ashur is anticipated to be observed on July 17, falling on a Wednesday.

Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, is a day of significant religious observance, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), at Karbala. The day is marked by mourning processions and gatherings across all cities and towns of Pakistan, reflecting on the sacrifices made for the preservation of Islam. To facilitate observance, the federal government traditionally declares public holidays on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

Reporter: Amir Shahzad