ISLAMABAD: The cabinet division today issued a notification announcing two days of holidays on account of Ashura to be observed on July 16 and 17.
According to the notification, the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Ashura days) will be observed next Tuesday and Wednesday (July 16 and 17, 2024).
Therefore, the federal government has declared two days of holidays today.
The notification stated, “In continuation of Cabinet Division’s circular No. 10-2/2023-Min-II dated 20th December 2023, listing public and optional holidays for the year 2024, the Prime Minister has approved 16th and 17th July 2024 as public holidays on the occasion of Ashura (9th and 10th Muharram 1446 AH).”
Meanwhile, the federal government of Pakistan has sanctioned the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces (CAF) across the country during Muharram as a preemptive security measure. This decision, detailed in a notification from the interior ministry, aims to ensure public safety and maintain order throughout the month-long observance, which began recently.
According to the notification, the deployment details, intended to be in effect indefinitely, will be finalized in collaboration with relevant authorities including the governments of Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad. The government emphasizes that the timeline for withdrawing these forces will be determined after mutual consultation among all stakeholders.
In addition to military deployment, there has been a proposal from provincial governments, notably Punjab, urging the federal government to temporarily suspend social media platforms for a week. This measure is aimed at curbing the dissemination of inflammatory content that could incite unrest during Muharram.
However, as of the latest update from the Ministry of Interior, no decision has been made regarding the suspension of internet services. The federal government asserts that any such decision will be made only after consultations with the provinces, indicating a cautious approach to balancing security concerns with public access to communication platforms.
These measures underscore the government’s proactive stance in ensuring a peaceful environment during Muharram, a month of significant religious observance for Muslims.
The deployment of military forces alongside potential restrictions on social media reflects efforts to preemptively manage security challenges, particularly in light of past incidents where social media was used to spread provocative content leading to unrest.
Overall, while prioritizing security measures, the government remains attentive to civil liberties and the need for balanced decision-making in response to evolving security threats during sensitive periods like Muharram.
