The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on June 16 that the Muharram-ul-Haram crescent was not sighted anywhere in Pakistan, fixing 1 Muharram 1448 AH on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Ashura — the 10th of Muharram — will be observed on Friday, June 26, 2026. Several provincial governments have already announced public holidays on 9th and 10th Muharram, and processions, majalis, and mourning gatherings are being organised across the country.
The confirmed dates at a glance
The official announcement was made by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on the evening of June 16, after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting in Lahore confirmed that the new moon had not been sighted on June 15 anywhere in Pakistan. Astronomical calculations had predicted a low probability of sighting on June 15 because the moon’s age at sunset would have been less than 12 hours, well below the visibility threshold across most of the country.
Why the moon was not sighted on June 15
According to Khalid Ejaz Mufti, Secretary General of the Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council, the new moon was born at 7:54 am Pakistan Standard Time on June 15. By sunset on the same day, the moon’s age was less than 12 hours across Pakistan, well below the minimum age generally required for crescent sighting. The interval between sunset and moonset — another key factor in visibility — was also unfavourable for naked-eye observation.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had also indicated low chances of moon sighting on June 15 due to atmospheric conditions across much of the country. As a result, the official committee could not accept evidence of sighting, and 1 Muharram was set on the next day, June 17.
Public holidays by province
Public holiday schedules vary by province. Most provinces have announced 9th and 10th Muharram (June 25 and 26) as gazetted holidays. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa separately announced a public holiday on 1st Muharram (June 17) subject to the official moon-sighting announcement. Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan are expected to follow the federal gazette for the 9th and 10th.
| Province / Region | 1 Muharram (June 17) | 9 Muharram (June 25) | Ashura (June 26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab | — | Holiday | Holiday |
| Sindh | — | Holiday | Holiday |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Holiday (announced) | Holiday | Holiday |
| Balochistan | — | Holiday | Holiday |
| Federal (ICT) | — | Holiday | Holiday |
| AJK / GB | — | Holiday | Holiday |
Private-sector employers typically follow the federal or provincial gazette, with most banks, government offices, and schools closed on 9th and 10th Muharram. Our city-wise prayer timings for Shia and Sunni communities is a useful reference for majalis and procession schedules.
What to expect: processions, majalis, and security
Across Pakistan, the main mourning processions begin on the 7th of Muharram and intensify through the 9th and 10th. The largest processions are in Lahore (Mochi Gate, Data Darbar, and Nishtar Park), Karachi (Numaish and Kharadar), Peshawar, Quetta, and across major cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. Majalis are held in imambargahs, mosques, and private halls throughout the month.
What Muharram is and why it matters
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam. The 10th of Muharram — Ashura — marks the martyrdom of Imam Husayn (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Shia Muslims observe Ashura as a day of mourning through majalis, matam, and processions. Sunni Muslims observe it through fasting (the Prophet reportedly fasted on this day), special prayers, and acts of charity.
For Shia communities, the mourning continues through the first ten days of Muharram, with the most intense observances on the 9th and 10th. For Sunni communities, fasting on the 9th and 10th (or the 10th and 11th) is recommended, and many observe special nawafil and nawafil prayers at home or in the mosque.
Practical checklist for Muharram in Pakistan
- Confirm your city’s procession route before travelling. Major routes change every year, and walk-through gates limit entry points.
- Keep CNIC, phone, and emergency contacts accessible. Mobile service may be suspended near procession routes.
- Stock basic supplies for June 25-26 if you live near a major procession route, since shops in the area may be closed or restricted.
- Plan work and school around the holidays. Banks, government offices, and most schools are closed on 9th and 10th.
- For Shia communities, confirm imambargah and majalis timings with your local organisers, and check the Shia and Sunni prayer timings for accurate salah times.
- For Sunni communities, plan to fast on the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) and consider giving sadaqah to those in need.
Related coverage on Life in Pakistan
For readers planning around the Muharram holidays, the following guides are useful references. Our Shia and Sunni prayer timing schedule gives the full monthly salah calendar for cities across Pakistan, which is essential for organising majalis and processions around accurate prayer times. Our guide to the Punjab summer vacation destinations and activities is useful for families planning a short trip before or after the holidays, and our Pakistan passport visa-free countries guide is a useful reference for overseas Pakistanis who are planning to travel home for the month.
Frequently asked questions
Sources: Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announcement, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Dawn, Express, Tribune, K-P Chief Minister’s Office. Provincial holiday schedules are subject to gazette notification.
