The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has officially announced a public holiday on the first day of Muharram, aligning with the start of the Islamic New Year.
As per a notification from the Provincial Department of Administrative Affairs, the holiday will coincide with the moon sighting declaration made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
On this occasion, all government departments, schools, and commercial centers in the province will remain closed.
Muharram is recognized as one of the four sacred months in Islam, marking the beginning of the Hijri calendar. The 1st of Muharram is also observed by many Muslims as Youm-e-Umar, honoring the martyrdom of Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the second Caliph of Islam, who was tragically assassinated on this day in 23 AH (644 CE).
The sacred month reaches its spiritual and historical peak on the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, a day of deep mourning and remembrance.
It commemorates the ultimate sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain ibn Ali (RA), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his family and companions, who were martyred in the Battle of Karbala—a defining moment in Islamic history.
