Muharram moon not sighted, Ashura to be observed on July 17
Pakistan
Cloudy weather may make moon visibility difficult
QUETTA (Dunya News) – The holy month of Muharram, which marks the start of new Islamic year, will begin from July 8 as moon has not been sighted in Pakistan on Saturday (July 6).
Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad made the announcement in Quetta, where the meeting of the moon sighting committee was held. Meetings of zonal and district Ruet-i-Hilal Committees were also held at their respective headquarters.
Accordingly, the Ashura or Muharram 10 will be observed on July 17 to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has imposed section 144 and banned pillion riding from 7th to 10th of Muharram across the province in light of security reasons.
The Punjab Home Department has issued guidelines for security during the Muharramul Haram. The Home Department secretary directed to follow SOPs and ensure fool-proof security measures.
The exhibition of any weapon and explosive material in public places without permission of the relevant authority is prohibited.
There is a blanket ban on provocative slogans and movements to hurt public sentiments and beliefs. Section 144 is imposed on the remarks to provoke hate for religions, sects and races.
The spokesperson disclosed that construction of rooftops on houses and buildings located at the routes of processions is also banned. Bystanders sitting on shops and outside of houses doors on the routes of processions are also prohibited.
Also, the accumulation of bricks, waste, bottles, and stones on buildings’ roofs is banned.
A ban has been imposed on pillion riding except for old age citizens, women and law enforcement agencies’ personnel.
The ban will be enforced from 1st to 10th Muharramul Haram while the ban on pillion riding will be implemented from 7th to 10th of Muharramul Haram.
