KARACHI (National Times)- The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Thursday announced a two-day bank holiday on the occasion of Ashura (Muharram 9-10).

“The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on 8 and 9 August (Monday and Tuesday) being 9th and 10th Muharram-ul-Haram, 1444 AH on the occasion of Ashura,” an SBP statement read.

The federal government, a day earlier, had approved two holidays on account of Ashura in a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, as Pakistanis and Muslims across the globe prepare to mark the religious occasion with grief, sorrow and prayers.

The holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram, marking the beginning of the new Islamic year, 1444 AH, started on July 31.