The federal government has officially declared Ashura (9th and 10th Muharram) holidays.

The official notification states that the 28th and 29th of July (Friday and Saturday) would be declared public holidays in honor of the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee reported after its meeting in Quetta on Tuesday that the Muharram crescent was not seen yesterday.

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As a result, Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram, will be observed across the country on Saturday, July 29th, according to the Committee.

Muharram has significant historical and theological significance for Muslims all over the world. It is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and the Hijri year 1445 begins today.

This is a melancholy time for Muslims as they recall the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), at the Battle of Karbala.