Ashura 2024: Expected dates for Muharram holidays this year

The Federal Cabinet Division has released the official declaration of public holidays for the year 2024, providing a comprehensive schedule for various occasions and festivals, Express News reported.

This list encompasses both religious and national events, offering clarity to the public and businesses about upcoming days of significance.

According to the announcement, Muharram holidays for Ashura are set for July 16 and 17, Independence Day on August 14, and Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) on September 16.

Iqbal Day on November 9, and Quaid-e-Azam's Birthday on December 25 will conclude the schedule for the year.

Shab-e-Meraj on February 7 and Shab-e-Barat on February 25 are designated optional holidays for those observing Islamic traditions.

For non-Muslims, there will also be optional holidays for Basant Panchami on February 14, Shivratri on March 8, Holi on March 24, Dulahandi on March 25, Good Friday on March 29, Easter holidays from March 31 to April 1, Baisakhi on April 13, Eid-ul-Rizwan for the Baha’i community on April 21, Buddhist Purnima on March 23, and Nowruz, the Parsi New Year, on August 15.

Additionally, bank holidays have been designated, with January 1 marking the first bank holiday of the year. January 1 is also listed as an optional New Year holiday.