SBP announces two-day bank holiday

Two-day public holidays have been announced for banks on the occasion of Ashura — 9th and 10th Muharram, 1446 AH — falling on July 16 and 17, 2024.

The announcement was made by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) regarding the closure days of bank operations on account of Ashura this month.

The federal government announced a two-day public holiday for Muharram 9 and 10 a day ago.

"[…] the Prime Minister is pleased to declare 16th and 17th July, 2024 (Tuesday and Wednesday) as public holidays on the occasion of Ashura (9th & 10th Moharram 1446 AH)," a notification issued by the Cabinet Division stated.

Muslims across the globe will observe the Ashura with grief and sorrow.

In this regard, the government also approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces (CAF) across the country as a security measure during Muharram.

The interior ministry notification stated that the details of troop deployment, which will be enforced for an indefinite period, will be finalised with the authorities concerned, including the government of Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad.

Additionally, the notification stated: "The date of de-requisitioning of said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation among all stakeholders."