Govt announces two-day public holiday on Ashura

All private and public offices will remain shut on Aug 29 and 30, reads notification

ISLAMABAD:

The federal government has announced a two-day public holiday on August 29 and 30 on the occasion of Ashura (9th and 10th of Muharram) across the country.

According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday, all private and government offices, including educational institutes, business and other activities would remain shut during the two days.

Muharram is the month of mourning for the seventh-century martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Security is beefed up across the country for the many processions taken out by the faithful.

The country has seen a raft of attacks at imambargahs and processions in the past.

This Muharram will be observed under the Covid-19 pandemic and authorities have warned citizens to strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) including face masks and social distancing to avoid spike in number of coronavirus cases and deaths.

A latest mobile application has also been developed to ensure strict security during Muharramul Haram in Peshawar. According to the superintendent of police (SP) city, details of Muharram processions’ routes and deployment of the police is installed in the app.

Moreover, all CCTV cameras can be accessed through the app to monitor processions and majalis online and avoid any untoward incident.

Last week, the Punjab government had imposed a ban on pillion riding for 9th and 10th of Muharram across the province. The ban had been imposed under section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code.

The ban shall not be applicable to women, children, senior citizens, journalists, personnel of law enforcement agencies and security agencies in uniform, sources said.

Punjab had also sought deployment of military troops in the province for maintaining law and order situation during Muharram.