Muslims are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new Islamic year 1446, and the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has declared a public holiday across the province to celebrate the beginning of the new year according to the Hijri calendar.

A notification issued by the Chief Secretary indicates that the holiday on the first of Muharram will be observed following the moon sighting.

Muharram Moon Sighting Updates 2024

To sight crescent of new year, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is slated to meet on July 6, after which the new Islamic year will be formally announced by Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabir.

Zonal committee meetings will also meet at their respective headquarters, and Ruet Hilal Committee will officially announce the start of the new Islamic year.

Ahead of Muharram, federal and provincial authorities implemented special security measures to maintain law and order during first month due to processions.

Ashura Holidays 2024

In July, there will be two consecutive holidays to observe Ashura, which falls on Muharram 9 and 10. The Pakistan government has already included these holidays in the 2024 calendar. While Ashura is expected to be on a Monday and Tuesday, the exact dates will be confirmed by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after the Muharram moon sighting.

If the moon is sighted on July 6, Muharram 1 will be on July 7, making Ashura fall on July 15 and 16. Consequently, the public holidays will be on July 15 and 16 (Monday and Tuesday). If the new Islamic year begins on July 8, Ashura will be on July 16 and 17, resulting in public holidays on July 16 and 17 (Tuesday and Wednesday).