The University of Agriculture in Dera Ismail Khan will remain closed on Friday to mark the beginning of the Islamic new year, following instructions from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
An official notice, approved by the vice chancellor, confirmed that all academic and administrative operations would be suspended for the day. However, university officials stated that security staff would continue working as per their regular schedule to ensure the campus remains safe.
The decision aligns with the anticipated start of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Astronomers have indicated that the moon marking the start of 1447 Hijri is expected to be visible on the evening of June 26, suggesting that Friday, June 27, will likely be observed as 1st Muharram in Pakistan and several other countries.
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Experts noted that the moon will technically be born on June 25 at 3:31pm Pakistan time. However, it is unlikely to be sighted on the same evening due to low visibility, particularly across South Asia and the Middle East. Limited visibility through telescopes may be possible in parts of the United States.
Global moon sightings on June 26 are considered more probable, leading to the widespread observance of Muharram from June 27. If this timeline is confirmed, Youm-e-Ashura — the 10th day of Muharram — will fall on Sunday, July 6.