State Bank announces three-day holiday for Ashura

Karachi: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday announced a two-day bank holiday in observance of Ashur.

The SBP and other banks will be closed to the general public on July 28 and 29, 2023 (Friday and Saturday).

As Ashura follows Sunday so banks will remain closed for three days.

These days have been set aside as recognized public holidays in remembrance of Ashura, which occurs on July 29.

The central bank also made a notification in this regard.

Earlier, the City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani stated on Sunday that more than 6,000 police officers have been sent to guard the district's 447 processions and 1925 Majalis.

He claimed that the Rawalpindi District Police had completed all preparations to guarantee impenetrable security for Muharram ul Haram.

According to the CPO, more than 6000 police officers were on duty executing security tasks, while more than 1000 policemen and traffic police officials were also deployed to oversee traffic arrangements.

Hamdani said that additional extra security preparations had been prepared for the district's 40 important processions.

Over 5000 volunteers will also be on security duty throughout Muharram in addition to the district police, women police, Elite Force, Traffic Police, and Dolphin Force personnel performing their tasks.

Further in order to maintain law and order throughout Muharram, the police and prominent scholars convened "Aman Carvan" meetings in Taxila, Murree, Kahuta, Gujar Khan, and Rawalpindi before the commencement of the holy month.

He promised to severely enforce the ban on loudspeaker usage and the exhibition of weapons.

On the route of the Muharram processions, all streets and connecting roads would be sealed.

According to him, the Rawalpindi Police control center was constantly monitoring the law and order situation, and special snipers would be stationed on rooftops along the route of the processions. He also added that no one would be permitted to participate in the processions or Majalis without first undergoing a body search.

Additionally, special measures had been implemented to monitor social media, and those who posted and promoted religious and racial hatred would face harsh punishment.

He added that the Rawalpindi Police were making use of all tools at their disposal to provide impenetrable security during Muharram.

The CPO stated that with the assistance and collaboration of Ulemas, District Peace Committee, and Anjuman-e-Tajran, the best possible plans were being made to guarantee law and order and harmony throughout Muharram.

He revealed that the district of Rawalpindi had forbidden the admittance of 36 students, the speech of another 26 people, and the inclusion of 51 people in the fourth schedule.

On July 28 and 29, the nation will mark Ashura Days, Muharram 9 and 10, to honor the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his allies during the Battle of Karbala.