The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced a public holiday across the province on June 17, 2026, to mark the 1st of Muharram 1448 AH. The decision comes following the official announcement regarding the beginning of the new Islamic year.
According to a notification issued by the provincial Administration Department, all government offices and public institutions across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will remain closed on 1st Muharram. The holiday will be observed in accordance with the decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee regarding the sighting of the Muharram crescent.
The first day of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is also observed as the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), the second Caliph of Islam. The occasion holds significant religious importance, and special arrangements are made across the country for its observance.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, announced that the Muharram moon was not sighted on Monday. As a result, 1st Muharram 1448 AH will begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, marking the start of the new Islamic year in Pakistan.
The central moon-sighting meeting was held at Iqbal Hall, Badshahi Mosque, while provincial and zonal committee meetings took place simultaneously in various cities across the country. According to the committee chairman, no credible testimonies confirming the crescent moon’s sighting were received.
Based on the official announcement, the 10th of Muharram 1448 AH, observed as Ashura, will fall on Friday, June 26, 2026. Authorities across Pakistan are continuing preparations for Muharram, with provincial governments and law enforcement agencies working to ensure peaceful religious observances and secure arrangements for processions and gatherings.
