The federal government on Tuesday announced a two-day public holiday for the 9th and 10th of Muharram, effective from Tuesday, July 16, to Wednesday, July 17.
"[…] 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)," a notification issued by the Cabinet Division stated.
Muslims worldwide will commemorate this religious occasion with deep sadness and solemnity.
To ensure security in this Islamic month, the government has called in military and paramilitary personnel to assist the civil administration in maintaining law and order in the country.
The federal government authorized 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, the order states.
“The exact number, date and area of deployment … will be worked out by the provincial governments … in consultation with concerned stakeholders/authorities on the basis of on-ground requirement/assessment. The date of de-requisitioning of said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation among all stakeholders,” the order said.
Earlier on July 5, the Punjab government requested the interior ministry to shut down internet services and social media apps including Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp, along with other applications from Muharram 6 to 11 to control the dissemination of hate material and misinformation in a bid to avoid sectarian violence, as reported by the media.
However, the government turned down the provinces' request to block these platforms and instead emphasised bolstering security measures during Muharramul Haram.
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