Two-day public holiday announced on Ashura

Law enforcers directed to make stringent security measures for processions and gatherings

The federal government has announced that there will be public holidays on September 20 and 21 on account of Ashura, i.e. the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

"It is notified for general information that 20th and 21st September, 2018 (Thursday and Friday) will be public holidays on the occasion of Ashura, Moharram-ul-Haram", read an official notification issued on Friday.



As part of security measures for Muharram processions and gatherings, police have decided to install surveillance cameras at all imambargahs in the city and along the procession routes.



Apart from hundreds of cameras installed on roads under the Safe City project, additional cameras will be installed at entrances of all imambargahs and other congregation spots.

Police will install CCTV cameras in coordination with organisers and ensure video recording of all the gatherings. The law forcers have also been directed that installation of cameras and metal-detecting walk-through gates be ensured at all Muharram gatherings and processions.

Police will also curb wall chalking and pasting posters which may hurt the sentiments of people.