KARACHI: The government on Friday announced that schools and other educational institutions in Sindh will be closed on February 26 (Monday) in observance of Shab-e-Barat, occurring on the 15th night of the current Islamic month, Shaban.

A notification regarding a public holiday on February 26 specified that all public and private educational institutions under the authority of Sindh’s schools and college departments will be closed on the mentioned date.

The decision to declare the holiday was made following discussions within Sindh’s sub-committee of the steering committee on education. Shab-e-Barat holds significant religious importance for Muslims, being the holiest night between the 14th and 15th of Shaban, during which they seek forgiveness from Allah. Across the country, special religious gatherings will take place, and individuals will visit graveyards to offer prayers at the graves of their loved ones.

Muslims worldwide observe the night of the 15th of Shaban with devoutness, congregating in mosques to offer nawafil and engage in special prayers.