The federal government announced a two-day public holiday on July 16 and 17, 2024 (Tuesday and Wednesday), to observe Ashura, corresponding to 9th and 10th Muharram 1446 AH, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.
Muslims worldwide will commemorate the occasion with grief and sorrow. As a security measure, the government has approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces (CAF) across the country during Muharram. The details of the troop deployment, which will be enforced indefinitely, will be coordinated with relevant authorities, including those in Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad. The date for ending the deployment will be decided later after mutual consultation among all stakeholders.
Provincial governments, including Punjab, have requested the federal government to suspend social media platforms for one week to curb the spread of hate material during Muharram. However, the federal government has not yet decided on this matter and will consult with the provinces before making any decision, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior.
