In a recent development, the government of Pakistan has announced a public holiday on the Day of Arafah, which falls on June 28, to mark the occasion of Eid ul Adha. This decision comes after the earlier declaration of a three-day holiday for Eid ul Adha, which is set to be celebrated on June 29. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, providing citizens with an extended break to observe the religious festivities. The sighting of the Zil Hajj moon was confirmed by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, further solidifying the date of the Eid ul Adha celebrations.
Following the initial approval of a three-day holiday for Eid ul Adha, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has now also declared a public holiday on the Day of Arafah. This decision was made to allow citizens to fully partake in the religious observances associated with this auspicious day. The holiday on June 28 (Wednesday) will provide individuals with the opportunity to engage in prayers, reflection, and acts of charity.
According to the statement issued by the Cabinet Division, the holiday schedule for government offices has been finalized. Offices observing a five-day workweek will be closed on June 29 and 30 (Thursday and Friday). Meanwhile, offices with a six-day workweek will remain closed from June 29 to July 1 (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). This extended break aims to facilitate the participation of government employees in Eid ul Adha celebrations and related activities.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, officially declared the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon in Pakistan. This confirmation ensures that Eid ul Adha will be celebrated nationwide on June 29 (Thursday). The committee received testimonies of moon sightings from various cities, including Karachi and Lahore. The presence of representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, SUPARCO, Department of Meteorology, and Ministry of Science and Technology during the meeting further solidified the decision.
To arrive at an accurate decision regarding the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon and the subsequent date for Eid ul Adha, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee considered input from zonal committees across the country. These zonal committees conducted their own meetings and provided crucial information to assist in determining the start of the Islamic month of Zil Hajj. The collaborative efforts of these committees contributed to the unified announcement of the Eid ul Adha celebrations on June 29.
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The government’s decision to announce a public holiday on the Day of Arafah and extend the Eid ul Adha break demonstrates its commitment to facilitating the observance of religious practices and fostering a spirit of unity and harmony among citizens. As Pakistan prepares to celebrate Eid ul Adha, it is important for everyone to embrace the true essence of the festival and remember the values it represents.
