Muharram 2026 in Pakistan: Ashura on 26 June — Confirmed Dates and What to Expect

Last updated: Jun 16, 2026

Pakistan’s Muharram 2026 public holiday falls on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 June — the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed the moon on 15 June. Here’s what’s open, what’s closed, and how to plan your travel around the holiday.

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When the Holiday Falls in 2026

Both the 9th and 10th of Muharram are gazetted public holidays. The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed 1 Muharram on 15 June, which places the holidays on:

9 Muharram: Thursday, 25 June 2026
10 Muharram (Ashura): Friday, 26 June 2026

The earlier Cabinet Division calendar had listed 24–25 June based on pre-calculated dates. Those are now superseded by the committee’s official ruling.

1 Muharram 2026 Date in Pakistan

The 1st of Muharram 1448 AH — the Islamic New Year — fell on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed no moon sighting on 15 June, completing 30 days of Dhul Hijjah and placing 1 Muharram on 17 June.

The committee’s announcement is the binding word in Pakistan. Ashura and the surrounding holidays follow from this confirmed start date.

9 and 10 Muharram (Ashura) 2026 Dates in Pakistan

With 1 Muharram confirmed as 17 June, the Ashura dates are settled:

9 Muharram: Thursday, 25 June 2026
10 Muharram (Ashura): Friday, 26 June 2026

Ashura, the 10th, is the most significant day — marked by large processions and majalis across Pakistan. Both days are public holidays observed nationwide. For how other countries observe Ashura this year, see the Muharram holiday in India and Muharram in Saudi Arabia.

Which Days Are Off

Both the 9th and 10th of Muharram are gazetted public holidays nationwide. They are observed by federal and provincial governments alike.

Expect the following to be closed on both days:

Government offices across all provinces
Banks and most financial services
Schools, colleges, and universities
Most private offices and many businesses

What Stays Open or Closed

Large gatherings and processions take place in many cities on these two days, so authorities put extra arrangements in place. This affects daily movement more than a typical holiday.

Mobile and Internet Services

Authorities suspend mobile and internet services in sensitive districts on 9 and 10 Muharram. Confirmed suspensions for 2026 cover at least eight districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (including Peshawar, Kohat, and Hangu), 13 districts in Punjab, and several areas in Sindh. As reported by Dawn, this is standard practice in designated areas for security reasons.

Don’t rely on a mobile signal for maps, ride-hailing, or calls during peak hours in affected areas. Plan ahead and download what you need in advance.

Roads and Transport

Police close key roads, place barriers along procession routes, and reroute traffic in city centres. Several provinces also impose Section 144 and ban pillion riding on the 9th and 10th.

Markets and shops near these routes usually shut, while areas away from the centre often stay open. Flights generally operate as normal, but allow extra time as road access can be slow.

Tips for Travellers

If you’re visiting Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad over these dates, a little preparation goes a long way.

Carry cash — banks are closed, and card payments may be less reliable if mobile or internet services are suspended.
Download offline maps in case mobile data is suspended.
Allow extra travel time for road closures and diversions.
Confirm your hotel and airport transfer in advance — book hotels in Pakistan early, as availability tightens around the holiday.
Avoid procession-route areas and central bazaars on the 9th and 10th.

For flights into the country, compare options to Islamabad and other cities on Wego before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Muharram a public holiday in Pakistan?

Yes. The 9th and 10th of Muharram are gazetted public holidays observed nationwide by both federal and provincial governments.

What dates is the Muharram holiday in 2026?

Thursday 25 and Friday 26 June 2026. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed 1 Muharram on 15 June, settling the dates.

What is the 1 Muharram 2026 date in Pakistan?

Wednesday, 17 June 2026. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed this after no moon was sighted on 15 June.

What date is 10 Muharram (Ashura) 2026 in Pakistan?

Friday, 26 June 2026. The 9th of Muharram falls on Thursday 25 June.

Will mobile services work during Muharram?

Authorities suspend mobile and internet services in sensitive districts on 25–26 June. Confirmed areas include parts of KP, 13 Punjab districts, and several Sindh areas. Download offline maps and carry cash as a backup.

Do flights still operate on these days?

Yes, flights generally run as scheduled. Allow extra time to reach the airport, as road closures and traffic diversions can slow city travel.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.