KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced public holidays on July 16 and 17, 2024, for Ashura, following the federal government’s decision.
According to an official notification from the Sindh Department of Services, General Administration, and Coordination, all government and semi-government offices in Sindh will be closed on these dates.
Previously, the notification issued by the Federal Cabinet Division said, “The Prime Minister is pleased to declare 16th and 17th July 2024 (Tuesday and Wednesday) as public holidays on the occasion of Ashura (9th & 10th Moharram 1446 AH).”
Earlier, the provincial government had imposed a ban on carrying weapons and the use of drones, loudspeakers, wall chalking, etc., from Muharram 1 to Muharram 10 (Ashura) across the province.
Meanwhile, State Bank of Pakistan has also announced bank holidays on 16th and 17th July on the occasion of Ashura.
It should be noted, The interior ministry approved the nationwide deployment of the Pak Army and Rangers for security purposes on the occasion of Muharram-Ul-Haram.
The ministry order said the approval followed requests by all provincial governments, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
It added that the government authorised the deployment of army troops and civil armed forces under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, for Muharram security duties in aid of civil power.
