The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on Thursday that the crescent of Muharram 1447 AH has been sighted in Pakistan. As a result, the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) will be observed on Sunday, July 6.
At a press conference, Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad confirmed that central, zonal, and district committees held meetings simultaneously at their respective headquarters.
Multiple credible sightings of the new moon were received from various parts of the country.
Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam, holds deep historical and spiritual significance. The 10th day, known as Ashura, commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA)—the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.
Throughout the country, religious processions and majalis will take place during Muharram. Large congregations are expected to be addressed by prominent scholars, and heightened security arrangements are being made to ensure public safety.
In preparation for the month, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting to review the national security plan. The session was attended by police chiefs and interior secretaries from all provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the federal capital. Federal officials, including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, were also present.
It was resolved that any decision to suspend mobile or internet services during sensitive days of Muharram would be taken in consultation with provincial authorities.
The meeting also emphasized strict enforcement of the code of conduct, and pledged action against those spreading sectarian hate on social media.
Minister Naqvi assured full federal support for maintaining peace, reiterating that no individual or group would be allowed to incite violence or disrupt law and order.
He added that modern surveillance technologies would be used to monitor processions and gatherings throughout the month.
