Muharram moon not sighted in Pakistan, Ashura to fall on June 26

The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Monday announced that the Muharram 1448 AH moon was not sighted in the country. The first of Muharram will fall on Wednesday, June 17, while Ashura will be observed on June 26.

In a notification, the ministry said: “In pursuance of the decision of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee in its meeting held today in Lahore, the federal government in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Islamabad, hereby announces that the moon of Muharram 1448 AH has not been sighted.”

“Therefore, the 1st Muharram 1448 AH shall commence from Wednesday, June 17, 2026,” it added.

Earlier today, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported that the committee would meet at Iqbal Hall, Badshahi Mosque in Lahore to sight the Muharram moon, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Muharram is a month of mourning, observed in particular by Shia Muslims worldwide.

It commemorates the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where, amongst many, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Imam Husain (RA), was martyred and other family members were martyred or subjected to humiliation.

The government of Pakistan also announces two holidays — on the ninth and 10th of Muharram — to commemorate Ashura. Religious processions are also held across the country.