Should there be a public holiday on 1st Muharram in Pakistan?

[Hermoine Green]

If i remember correctly in 2015, PTI started Public Holiday in KPK on 1st of Muharram.

Wondering if they will do the same and announce Public Holiday in all Pakistan.

 

[hussain.r97]

I think 9th and 10th Muharram are already public holidays, and it makes more sense for those two days to be holidays.

 

[Hermoine Green]

I think 9th and 10th Muharram are already public holidays, and it makes more sense for those two days to be holidays.

Yep they are. But talking about 1st Muharram as it is the start of new Islamic Year, on this basis KPK Gov started Holiday since 2015.
Wondering if they can apply this on Federal level as well.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Yep they are. But talking about 1st Muharram as it is the start of new Islamic Year, on this basis KPK Gov started Holiday since 2015.
Wondering if they can apply this on Federal level as well.

How many public holidays do you have?

 

[Hermoine Green]

 

[Hermoine Green]

How many public holidays do you have?

Haha i get only and only one holiday on EID and you are asking about total holidaysssss?

 

[Justcrazy]

Its a good idea . First day of Islamic calendar

 

[Mamoon]

Eid should be the only religious holiday in my opinion.

 

[Hermoine Green]

Its a good idea . First day of Islamic calendar

Actually it's Hazrat Umar RA day.

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Haha i get only and only one holiday on EID and you are asking about total holidaysssss?

What kind of job do you do?.... time to move on to something else perhaps?

I don't understand why there are so many religious holidays. Eids should be the only religious holidays.

Take 9th and 10th Muharram out and replace with 1st. But three holidays in 10 days is a bit OTT.

 

[Hermoine Green]

[MENTION=44089]Eagle_Eye[/MENTION] bro i work in ABC XYZ Gov. Atomic Energy Lab, work we do there requires 200% of attention and care. I work 4 days (for 24 hours) work continuously, not allowed to sleep. But we people manage things between us so every can take some rest for an hour or two. But rest of the three days are completely off you dont need to do any work. But you can't leave the premises.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

[MENTION=44089]Eagle_Eye[/MENTION] bro i work in ABC XYZ Gov. Atomic Energy Lab, work we do there requires 200% of attention and care. I work 4 days (for 24 hours) work continuously, not allowed to sleep. But we people manage things between us so every can take some rest for an hour or two. But rest of the three days are completely off you dont need to do any work. But you can't leave the premises.

How can you give 200% attention to anything if you are working 4 days continuously for 24hrs without sleep? Sounds like it would invite lapses and mistakes if you get tired which must be inevitable with no rest.

 

[Pakistanian]

Eid should be the only religious holiday in my opinion.

Are you like shiaphobic?

 

[Hermoine Green]

How can you give 200% attention to anything if you are working 4 days continuously for 24hrs without sleep? Sounds like it would invite lapses and mistakes if you get tired which must be inevitable with no rest.

As i said, we all staff manage things between us so every one can take some time off, little nap e.t.c
but obviously it's not sufficient.
However, 03 days off helps us alot

 

[Eagle_Eye]

[MENTION=44089]Eagle_Eye[/MENTION] bro i work in ABC XYZ Gov. Atomic Energy Lab, work we do there requires 200% of attention and care. I work 4 days (for 24 hours) work continuously, not allowed to sleep. But we people manage things between us so every can take some rest for an hour or two. But rest of the three days are completely off you dont need to do any work. But you can't leave the premises.

I don't get it.... you work 4 days, 96 hours without sleep. Then 72 hours of rest and play. And then, you are not allowed to leave premises. How do you not go insane?

I hope your job is super well paid otherwise it's not worth your while for cutting your life drastically short with this pattern.

 

[hussain.r97]

What kind of job do you do?.... time to move on to something else perhaps?

I don't understand why there are so many religious holidays. Eids should be the only religious holidays.

Take 9th and 10th Muharram out and replace with 1st. But three holidays in 10 days is a bit OTT.

There is no need for a 1st Muharram holiday. 9th and 10th hold special significance for a lot of Pakistani Muslims, and it is not something exclusive to Shias.

When my parents were growing up, the first ten days of Muharram were commemorated regardless of anyone being Shia or Sunni. In Karachi, on Ashura there used to be a Shia juloos with people mourning the martrydom of Imam Hussain, and a Sunni juloos celebrating Imam Hussain's victory over Yazid. Both groups respected each other, and they used to merge towards the end and commemorate the event together. Now as time has passed, a sort of underlying rejection of Shias has caused many Sunnis to dissociate themselves from Muharram, and now you have only a few Sunnis commeorating it, which is really sad as the events at Karbala are very significant for Islam, not just Shia Islam. If Imam Hussain hadn't took his stand against Yazid, Islam as we know it would not even exist.

On top of this dissociation, there are certain groups of people who have started calling Karbala as a "battle between two princes", which is a huge insult to every single person who stood up to the tyrant Yazid. This same group have now started advocating for 1st Muharram to be celebrated as "Muslim New Year", even though the first of Muharram is meant to mark the beginning of the days of mourning. This type of move is an attempt to undermine the value of Muharram, and turn it into something it is not meant to be.

In my opinion, having three holidays in ten days is a bit of an overkill anyway, but if they really want to do it then it should be a holiday for the "beginning of Muharram" rather than "Muslim New Year". Labelling it as Muslim New Year is going to hurt to sentiments of anyone who hold Karbala and Imam Hussain close to their heart, which actually includes a very large amount of Pakistanis, not just Shias. Labelling it "beginning of Muharram" on the other hand will not have a detrimental effect on the current meaning of Muharram, rather, it will reiterate the fact that the month of mourning has begun.

 

[Hermoine Green]

There is no need for a 1st Muharram holiday. 9th and 10th hold special significance for a lot of Pakistani Muslims, and it is not something exclusive to Shias.

When my parents were growing up, the first ten days of Muharram were commemorated regardless of anyone being Shia or Sunni. In Karachi, on Ashura there used to be a Shia juloos with people mourning the martrydom of Imam Hussain, and a Sunni juloos celebrating Imam Hussain's victory over Yazid. Both groups respected each other, and they used to merge towards the end and commemorate the event together. Now as time has passed, a sort of underlying rejection of Shias has caused many Sunnis to dissociate themselves from Muharram, and now you have only a few Sunnis commeorating it, which is really sad as the events at Karbala are very significant for Islam, not just Shia Islam. If Imam Hussain hadn't took his stand against Yazid, Islam as we know it would not even exist.

On top of this dissociation, there are certain groups of people who have started calling Karbala as a "battle between two princes", which is a huge insult to every single person who stood up to the tyrant Yazid. This same group have now started advocating for 1st Muharram to be celebrated as "Muslim New Year", even though the first of Muharram is meant to mark the beginning of the days of mourning. This type of move is an attempt to undermine the value of Muharram, and turn it into something it is not meant to be.

In my opinion, having three holidays in ten days is a bit of an overkill anyway, but if they really want to do it then it should be a holiday for the "beginning of Muharram" rather than "Muslim New Year". Labelling it as Muslim New Year is going to hurt to sentiments of anyone who hold Karbala and Imam Hussain close to their heart, which actually includes a very large amount of Pakistanis, not just Shias. Labelling it "beginning of Muharram" on the other hand will not have a detrimental effect on the current meaning of Muharram, rather, it will reiterate the fact that the month of mourning has begun.

Nope, not as Happy new year, but as Hazrat Umar RA Day.

 

[hussain.r97]

Nope, not as Happy new year, but as Hazrat Umar RA Day.

That is fair enough if the majority of Pakistanis want that, but definitely should not be for a "Muslim New Year". Muharram is meant to be a sad month.

 

[Justcrazy]

Actually it's Hazrat Umar RA day.

Why ?

 

[MenInG]

The Federal Interior Ministry on Friday announced a two-day public holiday in view of the 9th and 10th of Muharram on August 18 and 19 (Wednesday and Thursday).

A notification issued in this regard said that August 18 and 19, 2021 shall be public holidays on the occasion of Ashura (9th and 10th Muharram 1443 AH).

Muharram is the month of mourning for the seventh-century martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).Read more: Muharram moon sighted, Ashura on August 19

Security is beefed up across the country for the many processions taken out by the believers.

The country has seen a raft of attacks at imambargahs and processions in the past.

Earlier in the month, Sindh government imposed a pillion riding ban in Karachi on the occasion of Ashura.

“In continuation and partial modification of this department’s notification of even number dated, 28-7-2021, the ban on pillion riding for Karachi Division shall be for 8th, 9th and 10th Muharram 1443 AH, 2021," the provincial home department's notification had said.

Like last year, this Muharram will also be observed under the Covid-19 pandemic and authorities have warned the citizens to strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) including mask-wearing and social distancing to avoid spike in number of coronavirus cases and deaths.

 

[MenInG]

Start of the Hijra year - in some parts of the middle-east its a holiday.

 

[FearlessRoar]

KP declares eight districts sensitive during Muharram

The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, IG Police, Additional Chief Secretary Home, and other senior officials.

The meeting discussed the security plan for Muharram, which includes the deployment of 40,000 security personnel, including FC and Pakistan Army troops, to ensure the safety of processions and majalis.

A central control room will be established to monitor the security situation, and CCTV cameras will be installed to oversee the processions.

Special arrangements have been made for sensitive areas, including additional security forces and the establishment of special check posts. Mobile services will be suspended in these areas, and social media will be monitored to prevent the spread of hate speech.

Health and rescue services will be on high alert during Muharram, with special teams deployed to handle any emergencies.

Chief Minister directed officials to ensure a peaceful Muharram, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order and preventing any untoward incidents.

He also appealed to the public to cooperate with the government in maintaining peace and harmony during the month.

Religious scholars and public figures will be engaged to promote peace and harmony and to prevent the spread of hate speech.

Tents will be set up along procession routes to provide shade for participants, and electricity arrangements will be made to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

A coordination system has been established among all relevant departments and agencies to ensure the smooth observance of Muharram.

KP declares eight districts sensitive during Muharram

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, chaired a meeting to review the arrangements for Muharram ul Haraam, ARY News reported.

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Punjab govt recommends ban on social media for six days during Muharram​

The Punjab government has recommended to the federal interior secretary to ban social media from 6th to 11th Muharram to control spread of hate material and misinformation to avoid sectarian violence.

It is learnt that the Punjab government has decided to tighten security arrangements along with suspending the social media during Muharram.

According to sources, the provincial government had decided “extraordinary” measures to suspend internet and mobile jamming for Ashura after receiving information of “across border elements attempts” to disrupt peace in the country.

On the other hand, the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order (SCCLO) and the Punjab Home Department said that shutting down internet would cause problems for the general public, while most misinformation and hate material was disseminated through social media apps, which could be used even when internet services remain suspended.

However, the provincial Home Department wrote a letter to the interior ministry’s secretary after a meeting recommending suspension of “social media applications Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), TikTok, etc. across the province from Muharram 6 to 11 to control hate material, misinformation and to avoid sectarian violence”.

Sources said that the Punjab government had initially planned suspension of social media days of Ashura –Muharram 9 and 10. However, the information from intelligence agencies forced it to go for more stringent measures to maintain law and order during the holy month.

The final decision of the ban will be taken by the federal government.

Punjab govt recommends ban on social media for six days during Muharram

The final decision of the ban will be taken by the federal government

dunyanews.tv

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee on Saturday announced that the Muharram moon has not been sighted in the country, hence the first of Muharram will fall on July 8 (Monday)

Accordingly, the Ashura — Muharram 10 — will be observed on July 17 (Wednesday).

Addressing a press conference in Quetta, committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad said the meeting was held at the deputy commissioner’s office while zonal committees also held meetings in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi.

“No testimony was received from any part of the country about the sighting of the moon,” he said, adding that it was thus consensually decided that the first of the month would be observed on July 8.

Maulana Azad said Muharram was counted amongst the most sacred months with many historic events taking place in it.

Muharram is a month of mourning, observed in particular by Shia Muslims worldwide.

It commemorates the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where amongst many, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Imam Husain, was martyred and other family members were martyred or subjected to humiliation.

Keeping in view the need for extra security due to the spike in religious activity during the first 10 days of Muharram, authorities make arrangements accordingly.

This time, the Punjab government earlier today imposed Section 144 across the province during Muharram in the light of “potential threats to public tranquillity, sectarian harmony and general law and order situation”.

According to an order issued by the Home Department, seen by Dawn.com, Section 144 would remain in place during the first 10 days of Muharram. The law empowers authorities to issue orders in the public interest that may place a ban on an activity for a specific period of time.

Today’s order came a day after the Punjab government requisitioned services of 150 Pakistan Army and Rangers companies to maintain law and order across the province during Muharram. A formal letter was sent to the interior ministry for this purpose.

A high-level security meeting a day ago also decided to enhance joint flag marches and snap-checking by the Rangers and police during Muharram in Karachi.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Thursday ordered the release of funds required for security measures during Muharram, saying maintaining law and order in the province was the top priority of his government.

Source: Dawn News

 

[The Bald Eagle]

In a move to provide strict security during Muharram, Sindh Rangers and Police have undertaken a joint flag march across Karachi and various regions of interior Sindh, ARY News reported on Thursday

Strict security protocols have been implemented in Karachi and Sindh to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens during Muharram.

According to officials, the joint flag march where held in Karachi, including the Super Highway, North Nazimabad, Sarjani Town, Orangi Town, Shah Latif Town, Shahrah Faisal, Korangi, Baldia Town, Sadar Town, and Jamshed Town area.

In addition, similar security exercises were conducted in several regions within Sindh, such as Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Dadu, Mirpur Khas, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar, Sanjro, Kandiaru, Badin, Thatta, and other areas.

During the flag march, security forces inspected imambargahs and the routes designated for processions.

To bolster security, additional personnel have been deployed at the city’s entry and exit points, ensuring a comprehensive security cover for Muharram.

Source: Ary News

 

[BouncerGuy]

Government orders strict monitoring of social media to curb hate speech during Muharram

The federal government has issued directives to the Chief Secretaries and Inspectors General of Police of all four provinces, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to implement stringent monitoring of social media platforms in the holy month of Muharram.

A letter from the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Interior highlights a concerning surge in hate speech and religious incitement on social media, noting that such activities indicate growing sectarian divides within the country and pose a significant risk of escalating violence.

The communication warns that the nation is currently facing a new wave of militancy fueled by the spread of hateful and blasphemous content on social media. Given the present situation, the country cannot afford any sectarian unrest.

The letter emphasises the need for the monitoring of all sectarian organisations, associated elements, and incendiary speakers linked to militancy on social media.

The district administration of Islamabad had earlier imposed a ban on 27 religious scholars from various sects, prohibiting them from delivering sermons and speeches during the holy month.

The administration's decision aims to maintain peace and security during Muharram, a period that often sees heightened religious activities and gatherings.

Moreover, the interior ministry issued an order approving the deployment of the military on the request of all provincial governments, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in maintaining law and order in the country during the holy month of Muharram.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The Punjab government has announced the suspension of mobile services at specific locations across the province on the occasion of the 9th and 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram

However, mobile services will not be entirely suspended in any city but will be partially suspended from 8am to 10pm on both days, only in areas where processions and gatherings are anticipated.

The measure is aimed at maintaining peace and security during processions and gatherings.

Cities such as Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Khushab, Sialkot, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal will not experience any suspension of services. Similarly, services will remain operational in Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara, and Chiniot.

However, partial suspension of mobile services is planned in Faisalabad, Bahawalnagar, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Bhakkar, Mandi Bahauddin, Vehari, and Rajanpur.

In Rawalpindi, mobile services will be affected in 28 specific locations, while in Rahim Yar Khan, it will impact 15 areas.

Bahawalpur and Mianwali will see suspensions in 11 areas each, with Layyah affected in 10 areas, Muzaffargarh in 7 areas, and Nankana Sahib in 6 areas.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[BouncerGuy]

Ashura being observed across country amid heightened security

Mourners will take out processions nationwide on Wednesday to observe Yaum-i-Ashura amid heightened security arrangements on Wednesday.

Yaum-i-Ashura is observed every year on Muharram 10 with solemnity to pay homage to Imam Husain — the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — and other martyrs of Karbala.

President Asif Ali Zardari said that the martyrs of Karbala had given a lesson to the Muslim Ummah to remain steadfast in the face of all kinds of brutalities and raise their voice against all evils, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

He appealed to the nation to stand for forbearance, hard work and justice, besides realising the requirements of the poor and the needy.

Zardari also stressed the need for unity and facing the forces of cruelty and evil with steadfastness while learning lessons from the incident of Karbala.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed a similar sentiment and advised to draw inspiration from the values of fortitude and courage from the martyrs of Karbala and show perseverance in trials, Radio Pakistan reported.

He urged equality, tolerance, unity and discipline within ourselves to deal the internal and external threats facing the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said that the philosophy of Imam Hussain “is a torch for all humanity”.

“The grandson of the Prophet Imam Hussain (RA) along with his family members and companions drank the cup of martyrdom for the sake of the truth,” Dar was quoted as saying by the Ministry of Interior in a post on X.

“The incident of Karbala is the greatest story of the exaltation of truth and truth.”

The interior ministry has approved army deployment across the country to ensure peace and security during the holy month of Muharram. It also banned the use of drones during processions and majalis till Ashura across the country.

Meanwhile, as many as 59,000 Sindh policemen will provide security to all processions across the province. There is also a ban on pillion riding across the province today and a complete ban on carrying licensed weapons.

Lahore

Lahore’s main procession will set out from Nisar Haveli in the Mohalla Chillah Bibian in the morning and culminate at the Karbala Ghamay Shah Imambargah.

The Lahore Traffic Police said six circle officers, 210 senior traffic wardens, 140 patrolling officers and over 1,000 wardens have been appointed for duties.

Karachi

In Karachi, the main procession will depart from Nishtar Park and conclude by reaching Hussainiya Iraniyan Imam Bargah through its traditional fixed routes.

For security reasons, MA Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower.

The traffic plan issued by the local authorities said people coming from Nazimabad can go towards their destination from Lasbela Chowk towards Nishtar Road via Garden.

People coming from Liaquatabad can take Teen Hatti to Lasbela Chowk and take a left turn towards Central Jail (Martin Road).

People going to PP Chowrangi from Hassan Square can go to Shahrah-i-Quaideen from Kashmir Road and from Jail Flyover to Nishtar Road (Lasbela Chowk) from Tin Hatti.

Meanwhile, visitors travelling from Sharea Faisal to Shahrah-i-Quaideen (Noorani Kebab) to Numaish can take a right at the society light signal and take Kashmir Road towards their destination.

Those going from Central Jail Gate (Jamshed Road) towards Guru Mandir MA Jinnah Road can proceed towards their destination from Bahadur Yar Jung Road (Soldier Bazar) from Guru Mandir.

Traffic going from Garden Zoo to MA Jinnah Road can go towards its destination from Anklesaria to Gul Plaza on the right and Coast Guard Holy Family Hospital on the left.

Meanwhile, all heavy/commercial traffic going towards MA Jinnah Road from Super Highway and Gulbarg will be diverted from Liaquatabad No. 10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2 via Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, Shershah.

The traffic plan said it will be possible to reach Mauripur with the same route for returning.

It said that all heavy/commercial traffic going towards the city from National Highway will be routed via Sharea Faisal or via Rashid Minhas Road, Stadium Road, Sir Shah Sulaiman Road, Hassan Square, Liaquatabad No. 10, Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2, Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, Shershah and will be allowed to go to Mauripur, adopting the same route for return.

The traffic plan said that all kinds of small or big traffic will not be allowed to ply the procession route beyond Guru Mandir Chowk and will be diverted towards Bahadur Yar Jung Road (Soldier Bazar).

It added that entry of all types of vehicles is prohibited on MA Jinnah Road, except vehicles with a sticker to join the procession. To join the procession, vehicles with stickers will be allowed to enter through Shahrah-i-Quaideen, Society Light Signal.

The traffic plan outlined the following routes for participants in the processions:

• Participants coming from Nazimabad Lasbela, Albela, right side Garden Jamaat Khana, Soldier Bazar No. 3 Light Signal to Nimaish.
• Liaquatabad, Tin Hatti, Jahangir Road, Guru Mandir to Numaish.
• Society Light Signal to Numaish.
• Gulistan-i-Jauhar and Gulshan-i-Iqbal, University Road, old Sabzi Mandi, Kashmir Road, Society Light Signal to Numaish.

DAWN

 

[Kianig89]

Public Holidays in Pakistan

5th Feb, Kashmir Day
23rd Mar, Pakistan Day
1st May, Labor Day
Eid ul Fitr 4-5 Days
Eid ul Azha 3 Days
14 Aug, Independence Day
Muharram 2 days
12 Rabiul awal 1 Day
25 Dec , Quaid Day

----------------------
That's half a month of holidays in a country where already there is less productivity, loose accountability and wastage of resources

 

[FearlessRoar]

Ashura procession: Hundreds of mourners affected by heat​

Hundreds of people attending the Ashura procession in Karachi were affected by the intense heat, leading to the hospitalization of over 200 mourners.

According to Dr Shahid Rasool, Executive Director of Jinnah Hospital, the hospital’s camp reported 200 cases of heatstroke by 1 pm.

The affected individuals received immediate medical attention.

Dr. Rasool urged citizens to stay hydrated by consuming cool drinks and to wear wet towels on their heads when venturing outdoors during the extreme heat.

Ashura procession: Hundreds of mourners affected by heat

The affected people received immediate medical attention

english.aaj.tv

 

[BouncerGuy]

PM Shehbaz commends security arrangements for peaceful Youm-e-Ashur observance

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Army, local administrations, police forces, and law enforcement agencies for their excellent security arrangements that ensured a peaceful observance of Youm-e-Ashur across the country on Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the PM Office Media Wing, PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to all authorities involved, highlighting their dedication to maintaining law and order during the solemn occasion. "With the grace of Allah Almighty, the situation throughout the country remained peaceful on Youm-e-Ashur," he remarked.

The PM specifically highlighted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the provincial chief ministers for their leadership in overseeing comprehensive security measures that led to a smooth culmination of Youm-e-Ashur activities. "Under their guidance, all processions and Majalis were conducted with religious respect and devotion," he emphasised.

The PM commended the collaborative efforts between the federal and provincial governments, noting their harmonious coordination in activating security and law enforcement agencies on this significant day. He concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during religious observances.

EXPRESS TRIBUNE

 

[BouncerGuy]

Facebook, Instagram users face outages on 10th Muharram

A restriction on access to social media platform Facebook was reported to be in effect across multiple service providers in the country, Dawn.com reported on Wednesday, which saw Pakistan observe Youm-i-Ashura to pay homage to Imam Husain and other martyrs of Karbala.

NetBlocks said authorities “typically restrict mobile internet services” on the occasion.

Downdetector, which tracks outages by collating status reports from several sources including users, also showed that user reports indicated problems in accessing Facebook.

Instagram and Facebook are both owned by Meta.

The Balochistan government had already previously decided to suspend mobile phone and internet services in Quetta and some other sensitive districts during four days of Muharram.

Earlier, the Punjab government had requested the interior ministry to shut down social media apps on the internet from Muharram 6 to 11 to control the dissemination of hate material and misinformation in a bid to avoid sectarian violence.

The Ministry of Interior had deferred a decision on the Punjab government’s request for the suspension of six social media platforms for around a week.

Last week, the interior minister said that since the suspension of internet or mobile services created difficulties for citizens, such decisions would be made after considering ground realities and the secu-rity situation.

DAWN

 

[Justcrazy]

Actually it's Hazrat Umar RA day.

Day ? What do you mean by his day?

 

[BouncerGuy]

Day ? What do you mean by his day?

1st Muharram is the Yaum-e-Shahadat of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA).

 

[BouncerGuy]

Section 144 to be imposed in all sensitive districts in KP for Muharram

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government plans to impose Section 144 and enforce strict restrictions on weapons display and sectarian activities in all the sensitive districts from Muharram 1 to 10.

Officials from the home and tribal affairs department on Monday said entry of religious speakers and clerics from Punjab, Islamabad and Sindh into various regions of the province would also be restricted.

They said a list of banned individuals would be released in the coming days. “Some individuals from within the province may also be restricted from travelling outside during this period.”

Furthermore, construction of temporary structures or posts on rooftops along the routes of religious processions, as well as provocative slogans, would be banned until the conclusion of Ashura, the officials said, adding a ban on pillion-riding would be enforced in urban areas, along with a prohibition on displaying any kind of weapons or provocative material in public places.

DAWN NEWS

 

[MenInG]

1st of the Islamic year is a holiday in Egypt and GCC countries.

Makes sense to me

 

[sweep_shot]

I support the idea of declaring 1st Muharram as a public holiday.

It is the start of a new Islamic year. So, it makes sense to declare it as a holiday (just like January 1st).

 

[BouncerGuy]

Over 20,000 cops deployed for security in Karachi during Muharram

Police on Friday issued a security plan for Muharram, deploying a total of 20,350 officers and personnel across the city till Ashura.

According to the Karachi police, as many as 829 processions and 5,227 majalis are scheduled to take place during the first 10 days of Muharram.

To ensure security, 7,004 officers will be stationed at 4,605 processions and gatherings, while 1,660 personnel will be deployed at highly sensitive sites and imambargahs. Additionally, 1,100 traffic police personnel will be on duty to manage traffic flow.

Authorities have urged citizens to stay vigilant and immediately report any suspicious or unusual activity to Police Helpline 15.

Meanwhile, the provincial government, civil bodies and ulema belonging to various schools of thought sat together to review arrangements to ensure sectarian and interfaith harmony during the month Muharram.

A meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and attended by provincial ministers, Karachi commissioner and mayor, representatives of K-Electric, Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation, Sindh Solid Waste Management Board and prominent clerics was held at the CM House on Thursday.

The CM sought suggestions from the ulema to ensure smooth arrangements during Muharram and issued directives based on the recommendations provided by them.

He instructed the relevant authorities to ensure comprehensive preparations in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas and Shaheed Benazirabad.

Local government institutions were directed to ensure cleanliness and sanitation in all neighbourhoods, especially around imambargahs and procession routes. The KE and other power distribution companies were directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Muharram.

DAWN NEWS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Ashura: Mobile phones services partially suspended in Peshawar

Mobile services were partially suspended in areas surrounding the mourning procession in Saddar, Peshawar, on the 9th of Muharram (Ashura), as part of heightened security measures.

– Muharram procession in Lahore –

The central procession of 9th Muharram-ul-Haram will commence today from Pando Street, Islampura. Strict security arrangements have been made along the procession route.

All markets along the route will remain closed for the day. The procession will proceed to Khaima-e-Sadaat and, after the observances, participants will return to Pando Street.

Real-time monitoring of the procession is being carried out via Safe City cameras to ensure security.

SAMAA