Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Administration Department Issues Gazette Notification for 1 Muharram ul Haram 1448 AH; Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Session Scheduled at Badshahi Mosque Lahore Today
PESHAWAR — The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Government has officially declared a public holiday on 1st Muharram ul Haram 1448 AH across the entire province, marking the start of the new Islamic year. The provincial Administration Department has issued a formal gazette notification in this regard, directing all government offices and related institutions to remain closed. The exact date of the holiday will be determined by the official announcement of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee after the crescent moon sighting session scheduled for today.
KP Administration Department Issues Official Holiday Notification
According to the official notification issued by the KP Administration Department, the public holiday for 1 Muharram ul Haram 1448 AH will be observed in line with the decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. All provincial government offices, departments, semi-government institutions, and other affiliated bodies across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will remain shut on this day.
The notification makes clear that the holiday will only come into effect once the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee formally declares the commencement of the new Islamic month following the confirmation of the Muharram crescent moon sighting. This is the standard procedure followed by all provincial governments in Pakistan for Islamic calendar-based holidays.
Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Meeting Today at Badshahi Mosque, Lahore
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will hold its session today, June 15, 2026, at the historic Badshahi Mosque (Alamgiri Badshahi Masjid) in Lahore to determine the sighting of the Muharram moon. The session will be presided over by the Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Khatib of Badshahi Mosque, Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad.
The following will attend and participate in today’s session:
- Ministry of Religious Affairs — official representatives
- Members of all Provincial Ruet-e-Hilal Committees
- Islamic scholars from various schools of thought (Masalik)
- SUPARCO (Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) — technical briefing
- Pakistan Meteorological Department — weather and visibility data
Technical experts from SUPARCO and the Meteorological Department will present a scientific briefing on the moon’s age, position, and visibility conditions to assist the committee in making its final decision.
Low Chances of Moon Sighting Today — Meteorological Department’s Assessment
Weather and astronomical experts have indicated that the probability of sighting the Muharram crescent moon today is low. This is because the moon has not yet completed its full lunar cycle — meaning its age at the time of sunset on June 15, 2026 may not be sufficient for naked-eye observation.
If the moon is not sighted today, the 30-day count of the month of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH will be completed and 1st Muharram 1448 AH will officially begin on June 17, 2026. The KP public holiday will then be observed on that date. Citizens are advised to follow the official announcement of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for the confirmed holiday date.
Which Offices and Institutions Will Remain Closed?
Under the KP Administration Department’s official notification, the following will be closed on 1st Muharram 1448 AH:
- All KP provincial government secretariats and offices
- District government offices across the province
- Government schools, colleges, and public universities in KP
- Autonomous bodies and state-owned enterprises under KP jurisdiction
- All departments and institutions specified in the official notification
Private businesses, banks, and commercial enterprises are not directly covered under the provincial government notification, though many are expected to observe the day in accordance with the religious significance of 1st Muharram.
Significance of 1st Muharram — Islamic New Year 1448 AH
Muharram ul Haram is the first and one of the four sacred months (Ashhur al-Hurum) of the Islamic Hijri calendar. The arrival of Islamic New Year 1448 AH is a time of spiritual reflection, remembrance, and renewed devotion for Muslims across the globe. The month holds special importance in both Sunni and Shia traditions.
The 10th of Muharram — known as Youm-e-Ashura — commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A.) at Karbala and is observed with mourning processions, majalis, and prayers throughout Pakistan. The federal and provincial governments typically declare 10th Muharram as a separate national public holiday as well.
Pakistan-Wide Muharram 2026 Holidays Expected Nationwide
While KP has issued its provincial notification first, the Federal Government of Pakistan is also expected to declare 1st Muharram as a national public holiday following the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s official announcement. Similar notifications are anticipated from the governments of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan as well. Citizens across Pakistan should monitor official government channels for the confirmed holiday date.
Key Takeaways – KP Government Declares Public Holiday on 1st Muharram 2026
- KP Government has officially declared a public holiday on 1st Muharram ul Haram 1448 AH.
- The KP Administration Department has issued a formal gazette notification.
- The holiday date depends on the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s decision today.
- The Ruet-e-Hilal session is being held today at Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
- Moon sighting chances are low today — holiday may fall on June 17, 2026.
- All KP government offices, schools, and institutions will remain closed on the holiday.
- Federal and other provincial holiday announcements are expected soon.