KARACHI (Kashmir English): The Government of Sindh has declared a provincewide public holiday for Jumat-ul-Wida, which marks the final Friday of Ramazan.
The decision allows people to attend religious observances and special prayers that take place during the important day. The public holiday for Jumat-ul-Wida will apply to government offices and various public institutions throughout Sindh.
The public holiday for Jumat-ul-Wida in Sindh serves to help worshippers who need to attend the large prayer gatherings, according to Provincial Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah.
The government needs to support administrative and security operations because thousands of people assemble at mosques and public areas on the last Friday of Ramadan. During his statement, Nasir Hussain Shah also announced that authorities will name a road in Karachi after Ali Khamenei.
The minister stated that police will prohibit all demonstrations from taking place on Shahrah-e-Faisal during Jumat-ul-Wida. He recommended that religious and social organizations should conduct their rallies along their standardized routes, which will prevent traffic problems and security complications.
Youm-e-Ali processions today
Youm-e-Ali processions currently occur in multiple cities throughout Pakistan. Security personnel have stepped up their efforts by adding new staff members to control public order during the religious events.
Authorities in Karachi established container barricades throughout multiple streets in Saddar to manage traffic flow while enabling processions to proceed without interruption.
Authorities reported that law enforcement agencies maintain their readiness for Youm-e-Ali processions because they anticipate crowds of people.
Sindh declares 15-day holiday
Earlier, the Sindh government also announced a 15-day spring holiday for schools and colleges across the province.
All public and private educational institutions will remain closed from March 16 to 31, provincial minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, colleges and universities across the province have been directed to continue academic activities through online classes during this time, the minister added.
Despite the closure of schools, the provincial government has decided that examinations will be conducted as scheduled and will not be postponed.
Earlier, the Punjab government also announced school closures from March 10 to 31.
These measures follow a nationwide austerity initiative announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a day earlier, which included spending curbs and energy conservation steps to cope with the global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
