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In a significant announcement for the Muslim community across Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed on Thursday the sighting of the Muharram 1447 Hijri moon. As per the official announcement, Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, will be observed on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Chairman of the committee, Moulana Abdul Khabir Azad, stated during a press conference that testimonies of moon-sighting were received from various regions of the country. Meetings of the central, zonal, and district Ruet-e-Hilal Committees were held simultaneously at their respective locations to assess and verify the testimonies.
Religious Significance of Muharram and Ashura
Muharram is among the four sacred months in Islam, during which warfare is traditionally forbidden. It is particularly significant for the tragic events that unfolded in the year 680 AD in Karbala, Iraq. On Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) — the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — along with his family and companions, was martyred in a stand against tyranny.
This historic event is deeply mourned by Muslims, particularly by the Shia community, through processions, majalis (religious gatherings), and recitations. Sunnis also observe the day with fasting and prayers, remembering the Prophet Musa’s (Moses) escape from Pharaoh, as another historical layer of the day’s significance.
Security Plans and Potential Suspension of Mobile Services
To ensure peace and order during Muharram, the Interior Ministry has taken proactive steps. A high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reviewed a comprehensive security plan in coordination with provincial governments and authorities from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Islamabad.
The possibility of suspending mobile phone and internet services during sensitive days of Muharram, especially around Ashura, was discussed. Such decisions will be made with consultation from provincial governments to balance public safety with communication needs.
Minister Naqvi assured that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure a peaceful observance of Muharram. He emphasized the use of modern surveillance technologies to monitor processions and majalis. Thousands of law enforcement personnel are expected to be deployed nationwide.
Strict measures will be implemented to prevent the spread of sectarian hatred, particularly on social media platforms. Authorities have vowed to take immediate legal action against individuals or groups attempting to incite violence or communal disharmony.
Ulema-Mashaykh Peace Conference Stresses Unity
In a separate but related development, the Ulema-Mashaykh Peace Conference was held in Islamabad under the banner of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). Chaired by Dr. Raghib Naeemi, the conference brought together prominent religious scholars from all schools of thought to foster unity and reinforce a peaceful religious atmosphere.
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A joint declaration issued after the conference underlined the need for every citizen to remain loyal to the Constitution and the State of Pakistan. The declaration reaffirmed the constitutional rights to freedom of belief, worship, and peaceful assembly, while also condemning violence and rebellion against the state as un-Islamic.
The scholars warned against sectarianism, linguistic, or regional biases, and urged support for the armed forces of Pakistan. They stressed that coercive imposition of religious beliefs is against the teachings of Shariah, and highlighted the need to preserve the sanctity of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin (the Seal of Prophethood), Companions of the Prophet, and the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s family).
Importantly, the declaration asserted that military-style training in any educational institution—whether public or private—would not be tolerated and must be addressed by the authorities.
State’s Firm Stance Against Hatred and Extremism
As part of a broader national strategy to combat extremism, the government has committed to taking action against individuals and institutions that promote hate speech, violence, or sectarian conflict. Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other high-ranking officials have underscored that no leniency will be shown toward those attempting to disrupt peace during the sacred month.
Furthermore, strict implementation of the Muharram Code of Conduct will be ensured. Surveillance systems, checkpoints, and law enforcement coordination will all be deployed to secure religious gatherings and protect citizens from any threats.
