The Punjab government has announced a public holiday across the province on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, falling on Wednesday, February 4, a formal notification of which has been issued.
According to the notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), all government offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions, government corporations, local councils and all government and semi-government educational institutions under the administrative control of the Punjab government will remain closed on the said date.
The holiday will be applicable equally to all districts of the province so that citizens can participate in religious activities without any hindrance.
The Auqaf Department and other concerned agencies have also been directed to ensure proper arrangements in view of the possible rush at mosques, shrines and graveyards to avoid any untoward situation.
According to sources, a wave of joy is being seen among the citizens after the announcement of the holiday, as it will give them a full opportunity to perform the religious traditions of Shab-e-Barat with their families. Citizens perform Nawafil, recite the Quran, perform rituals and visit the graves of the deceased on that night.
The Director General (Public Relations) Lahore has been directed to get this notification published in major national and regional English and Urdu newspapers and ensure its wide publicity through electronic media, so that the public can be informed about this decision in a timely manner.
This initiative of the Punjab government is being appreciated in public circles and it is expected that the administration will also make special security and traffic arrangements on this occasion so that Shab-e-Barat can be celebrated peacefully and with devotion and respect.