KARACHI — The Sindh government on Monday officially announced public holidays on the 9th and 10th of Muharram across the province in observance of Ashura.
The statutory holidays are scheduled for June 25 and 26, 2026, as citizens and Muslims globally mark the solemn religious occasion. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony confirmed that the holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram, which heralds the dawn of the new Islamic year 1448 AH, commenced on June 14.
In anticipation of the large-scale commemorations, the Karachi police department has deployed a comprehensive security and traffic management framework. Authorities have mandated that any high-occupancy or utility vehicles intending to join the primary processions from the 8th to the 10th of Muharram must display an official permit sticker or security pass.
The administration has opened the application window at the DIG Traffic Karachi Office, located at the Garden Headquarters, running from June 22 until 1:00 PM on June 23, 2026. To secure a security pass, institutional applicants must provide a rigorous set of verifications, including:
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A certified copy of the vehicle’s registration book.
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The valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) of the vehicle owner.
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The valid CNIC and two recent passport-sized photographs of the designated driver.
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An official letter of introduction from a recognized association, media house, or emergency service.
Traffic officials clarified that these security permits will be strictly restricted to law enforcement agencies, registered socio-religious organizations, scout groups, ambulances, and accredited media outlets, with a firm embargo on unregistered individuals or private drivers. Furthermore, a strict ceiling of three individuals per permitted vehicle will be enforced. Security personnel warned that any administrative non-cooperation at checkpoints, structural misuse of the passes, or provision of fraudulent background data will result in the immediate revocation of the security credentials and legal intervention.
