The Punjab government has officially announced a public holiday on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, declaring Wednesday, February 4, as a province-wide holiday. A formal notification has been issued to implement the decision across Punjab.
🏛️ What Will Remain Closed?
According to the notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), the holiday will apply to:
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All provincial government offices under Punjab’s administrative control
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Autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies
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Government corporations and local councils
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Public and semi-government educational institutions
The holiday will be observed uniformly across all districts of Punjab, allowing citizens to take part in religious activities without disruption.
🕌 Special Arrangements Directed
The Punjab government has also instructed the Auqaf Department and other relevant authorities to ensure proper arrangements at:
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Mosques
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Shrines
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Graveyards
These measures aim to manage expected crowds and maintain public safety during the night.
👨👩👧 Public Response and Religious Significance
Following the announcement, a wave of satisfaction has been observed among citizens, as the holiday allows families to fully observe Shab-e-Barat together.
On this night, people traditionally engage in:
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Nawafil prayers
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Recitation of the Holy Quran
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Zikr and supplications
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Visiting graves of loved ones
📢 Wide Public Awareness Campaign Planned
The Director General (Public Relations), Lahore, has been directed to ensure:
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Publication of the notification in leading national and regional Urdu and English newspapers
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Broad dissemination through electronic media
This is to ensure that the public is informed well in advance.
🚨 Security and Traffic Management Expected
The government’s decision has been widely welcomed, with expectations that special security and traffic arrangements will also be put in place to ensure that Shab-e-Barat is observed peacefully, safely, and with due respect.
