Banks to remain closed for 9th, 10th Muharram

Karachi: All commercial banks as well as the State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed for public dealing on August 8 and 9 on the eve of Ashura (Muharram 9-10).

"The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on 8 and 9 August (Monday and Tuesday) being 9th and 10th Muharram-ul-Haram, 1444 AH on the occasion of Ashura," an SBP statement read.

The federal government, a day earlier, had approved two holidays on account of Ashura in a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, as Pakistanis and Muslims across the globe prepare to mark the religious occasion with grief, sorrow and prayers.

Earlier, the interior ministry on Friday announced two public holidays in view of the 9th and 10th of Muharram on August 18-19.

The holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram, marking the beginning of the new Islamic year, 1444 AH, started on July 31.