KARACHI: The federal government has declared public holidays on 9th and 10th of Muharram all over Pakistan, ARY News reported.
This was stated in a notification issued by the interior ministry.
The 9th and 10th of the following Islamic month will fall on 20th and 21st of September respectively.
Strict security measures have been adopted in all parts of the country to counter any untoward situation during these days. Closure of cellular services have also been sought for security reasons.
Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi have stressed upon promoting unity, tolerance and religious harmony in their messages on the advent of the holy month of Muharram.
The premier and the president laid stress upon collective efforts towards the progress and prosperity of the country by leaving aside petty regional, personal and racial hatreds and prejudices.
They said the month of Muharram preaches the message of sacrifice, love and brotherhood, compassion, religious tolerance and patience.
They also expressed good wishes to the nation and the Muslim Ummah on the advent of Muharram and prayed to God Almighty that this year proves to be a blessed one for the Muslim Ummah.
Both the leaders also prayed to God Almighty to shower His blessings upon Muslims and bring in peace, progress and prosperity in Pakistan.
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Karachi Meeting on Muharram Security
On the other hand, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting on September 10 in Karachi to review security arrangements for Muharram.
He said the ulema of different school of thoughts had played a very constructive role in maintaining sectarian harmony among the people of the province, therefore there was no chance of any untoward incident during Muharram-ul-Harram.
However, he said, his government was taking strict security measures during Muharram and implementing code of conduct to ensure peace and harmony.