The federal government has confirmed that Muharram 1448 AH will begin in Pakistan on Wednesday, June 17, after the moon was not sighted on Monday evening. In a notification, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said the decision was taken in line with the announcement of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, which met in Lahore to review moon sighting reports from across the country. The ministry stated that the first day of Muharram will fall on June 17.

The federal government has confirmed that Muharram 1448 AH will begin in Pakistan on Wednesday, June 17, after the moon was not sighted on Monday evening.

In a notification, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said the decision was taken in line with the announcement of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, which met in Lahore to review moon sighting reports from across the country. The ministry stated that the first day of Muharram will fall on June 17.

The confirmation of Muharram dates has also shifted the Ashura public holidays announced earlier by the federal government. According to the Cabinet Division’s annual public holidays notification issued in January, Ashura holidays were scheduled for June 24 and 25, based on the expected commencement of Muharram.

However, with the month now beginning on June 17, the public holidays for Ashura are expected to be observed on June 25 and 26 instead. Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and holds special religious significance for Muslims around the world.

The first ten days of the month, particularly Ashura, are observed with religious gatherings, processions and commemorative events. Authorities across the country are expected to finalize security and traffic management plans in the coming days to facilitate Muharram observances and ensure public safety during the religious gatherings.

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