Pakistan is observing the 9th of Muharram today as the nation enters the most solemn period of the Islamic calendar. According to The Nation, the federal government announced two-day public holidays across the country on June 25 and 26 (Thursday and Friday) to observe the 9th and 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram, 1448 A.H. (Ashura).
Millions of Pakistanis are participating in religious processions and majalis across every city, town, and village. And the security apparatus is on its highest alert.
What Is Closed Today and Tomorrow
According to The Pakistan Truth’s Ashura holiday notification, the federal government has officially declared June 25 and June 26 as Ashura holidays Pakistan, marking the 9th and 10th of Muharram 1448 AH with nationwide public holidays. During the two-day holiday period, government offices, private offices, educational institutions, and banks across Pakistan will suspend normal operations.
Here is the full closure picture:
| Institution | Status June 25–26 |
|---|---|
| Banks (SBP, commercial) | Closed — branches shut |
| Pakistan Stock Exchange | Closed — no trading |
| Government offices | Closed nationwide |
| Schools and universities | Closed |
| ATMs | Operational — monitored for cash |
| Mobile banking apps | Operational |
| Essential services | Operational |
According to The Pakistan Truth, the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks will remain closed for public dealing on both June 25 and June 26. Customers visiting physical branches for cash deposits, account services, cheque submissions, or other banking matters will need to wait until normal operations resume. Despite branch closures, digital banking channels will continue functioning throughout the holiday period.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange will also observe the Ashura holidays. Trading activities will remain suspended on both June 25 and June 26, with normal market operations expected to resume on the next official working day. For market watchers, our coverage of the Barclays upgrade of Pakistan’s debt to overweight explains what to expect when PSX reopens Monday.
Mobile Phone Services Suspended in Sensitive Areas
According to Roz Updates’ Ashura holiday guide, mobile phone services are being suspended in selected areas of Pakistan for Muharram security as authorities tighten arrangements for Ashura processions.
The suspension targets areas along major procession routes in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Quetta. This is standard practice during Muharram — authorities suspend cellular services to prevent remote-triggered attacks on processions.
For Pakistanis trying to reach family members in these areas: use WiFi-based calling apps where available, or plan your communication before the suspension window begins.
Security Arrangements Across Pakistan
According to Roz Updates, authorities across the country are finalizing security and traffic management plans for Muharram processions, majalis, and other religious gatherings. Additional law enforcement personnel are expected to be deployed in major cities to ensure the peaceful observance of Ashura.
According to The Pakistan Truth, local administrations are expected to implement special security measures around Muharram processions and majalis. Road closures, diversions, and traffic route changes are likely in several cities. In Karachi, major procession routes, including M.A. Jinnah Road, may face temporary closures during key events. Authorities may also impose restrictions on pillion riding in selected districts as part of security arrangements.
If you are traveling today or tomorrow, plan alternate routes. The main arteries through city centres will be blocked for processions from mid-morning through late evening.
The Four-Day Break for Government Employees
According to Roz Updates, government employees in Pakistan are expected to receive a four-day holiday break from June 25 to June 28 due to Ashura holidays and the weekend.
With Thursday and Friday as gazetted holidays and Saturday-Sunday as the regular weekend, many Pakistanis are getting four consecutive days off. For families, this is an opportunity for rest and religious observance. For markets and businesses, it means a pause in activity until Monday, June 29. This also follows the Muharram 2026 moon sighting that 24PakTimes reported earlier this month.
Banks Closed July 1 as Well — Plan Your Finances
Adding to the holiday schedule: banks will remain closed on July 1 as the new fiscal year begins. That means if you need to complete banking transactions — salary transfers, loan payments, cheque clearances — the window between Monday June 29 and Tuesday June 30 is your only opportunity this week.
According to The Pakistan Truth, while electronic banking services remain active, cheque clearing and some interbank settlements may be processed on the next working day. Transactions initiated during the June 25–26 holiday period could experience delays and may only be fully settled once banks reopen on Monday, June 29.
The Significance of Ashura
According to TNN’s Muharram 2026 guide, Ashura holds immense religious significance for Muslims around the world. The day commemorates the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his companions in the historic Battle of Karbala.
The occasion serves as a reminder of patience, justice, faith, and standing against oppression. Across Pakistan, religious scholars deliver sermons while mourning gatherings and processions take place in major cities and towns. Authorities typically implement comprehensive security measures during Muharram to ensure peaceful observance.
24PakTimes wishes all Pakistanis a peaceful and safe observance of Ashura. We will continue reporting any security developments throughout the day.
FAQ — Ashura 2026 Pakistan 9th Muharram
Are banks open on Ashura June 25-26 in Pakistan?
No. All commercial banks and the State Bank of Pakistan are closed on June 25 and June 26 for the Ashura public holidays. Digital banking apps, ATMs, and online transfer services remain operational. Banks are expected to reopen on Monday, June 29.
Is the Pakistan Stock Exchange open on Ashura 2026?
No. The PSX is closed for trading on both June 25 and June 26. Normal trading operations will resume when the market reopens on Monday, June 29, 2026.
Which areas have mobile services suspended on Ashura?
Mobile phone services are suspended along major Muharram procession routes in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Quetta. The suspension covers the period of peak procession activity. WiFi-based calling apps remain usable where internet is available.
How long is the Ashura holiday break in Pakistan 2026?
Government employees receive a four-day break: Thursday June 25 and Friday June 26 are gazetted Ashura holidays, followed by the regular Saturday-Sunday weekend. Normal work resumes Monday, June 29.
