KP Government Declares Public Holiday for 1st Muharram
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has officially declared a public holiday across the province on June 17, 2026, in observance of 1st Muharram 1448 AH, which marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. The announcement was made through a notification issued by the provincial Administration Department, stating that all government offices and public institutions will remain closed on this day.
Decision Based on Ruet-e-Hilal Committee
The holiday aligns with the decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee regarding the commencement of the new Islamic year. The committee had previously announced that the crescent moon for Muharram was not sighted on Monday. Speaking after a meeting held at Iqbal Hall, Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad confirmed that no credible testimonies were received from across the country regarding the sighting of the crescent.
Muharram Dates Confirmed
As a result, the committee announced that 1st Muharram 1448 AH will fall on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The central moon-sighting meeting took place in Lahore, while provincial and zonal committees convened simultaneously in various cities nationwide to collect reports on the crescent sighting. The first day of Muharram not only marks the start of the Islamic calendar year but is also observed as the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), the second Caliph of Islam.
According to the committee's announcement, 10th Muharram (Ashura) will be observed on Friday, June 26, 2026. The KP government's decision ensures that the public can observe this significant religious occasion with due reverence and participation in religious activities.
