PESHAWAR: On the occasion of the new Islamic year, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has announced a public holiday across the province.

The Chief Secretary’s notification stated that the holiday on the first of Muharram will be confirmed after the moon is sighted.

A meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, presided over by Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabir, is scheduled for July 6 to observe the moon of Muharram al-Haram, after which the start of the new Islamic year will be announced.

Similarly, meetings of zonal committees will be held at their respective headquarters. These meetings will determine the moon’s visibility, and the Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will officially announce the beginning of the new Islamic year.

Meanwhile, the federal and provincial governments have taken special security measures to control the law and order situation during Muharram.