On August 8 and 9, the whole country will have a two-day holiday in observance of Ashura (the ninth and tenth of Muharram).
The Ministry of Interior said on Tuesday that all private and public agencies, including educational institutions, businesses, and other activities, would be closed for two days.
Muharram is the month of mourning for Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A), the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson, who died as a martyr in the seventh century.
For the several processions that the devout will be participating in, security has been stepped up nationwide.
Attacks against processions and imambargahs have occurred often throughout the nation in the past.
Authorities have cautioned residents to rigorously abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
To guarantee rigorous security during Muharram ul Haram in Peshawar, a modern smartphone application has also been created. The routes of the Muharram processions and the deployment of the police are detailed in the app, according to the city’s superintendent of police (SP).
Additionally, the app provides access to all CCTV cameras, allowing users to monitor processions and majalis online and prevent any unfortunate incidents.
For the ninth and tenth of Muharram, the Punjab government had last week banned pillion riding throughout the state. The Criminal Procedure Code’s Section 144 had ordered the prohibition.
According to reports, the prohibition will not apply to women, kids, seniors, journalists, law enforcement officers, or security employees wearing uniforms.
In order to ensure peace and order during Muharram, Punjab has also requested the deployment of armed forces within the province.
To read our blog on “Government has announced four Eid-ul-Fitr holidays,” click here.
