The district administrations in all provinces have announced a public holiday for educational institutions in observance of the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain, commemorating the martyrs of Karbala.
This holiday will take place on Monday, August 26, and will apply to all schools, colleges, and universities within the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation of Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.
The official notification confirms that all educational institutions will remain closed on this day because of the chehlum processions to be taken out and related activities.
In Karachi, the Sindh Education Department has also issued a notification declaring a public holiday on August 26. This holiday will be observed in both government and private schools across the city.
The decision to close educational institutions has been made to facilitate the chehlum observances, ensuring public participation and easing the expected traffic and security challenges in areas where processions will take place.
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Meanwhile, the Punjab government had on August 23 announced public holiday for the Lahore district on Monday, August 26, 2024, in celebration of the 981st Annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA). Services and General Administration Department (Welfare Wing) issued the notification.
This public holiday at the district level will be enforced for all government offices in Lahore, excluding the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its Attached Departments, and Regional Offices.
The annual three-day Urs festival honouring the revered saint Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri will take place from August 24-26. The Auqaf Department has been given Rs13.5 million for elaborate langar preparations for visitors and other functions.
Special security measures announced by the secretary entail the set up of 144 security and closed circuit cameras, creation of a distinct control room, and installation of 18 LCD screens to ensure the safety of pilgrims by the police department.
