All schools and colleges across Sindh will remain closed on August 4, 2026. The Sindh School Education Department has issued an official notification declaring a holiday for the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
The notification clearly states that every government and private educational institution under the School Education and Literacy Department will observe the holiday on 20th Safar 1448 AH, which falls on Tuesday, August 4. This decision was taken in a Steering Committee meeting held earlier on 12 February 2026.
The holiday applies to all public and private schools and colleges throughout the province. Students and teachers can now plan their schedules accordingly as no classes will take place on that day.
A day before this announcement, the Sindh Home Department also imposed a province-wide ban on pillion riding to mark the same occasion. The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala is observed every year on the 20th of Safar. It marks the end of the 40-day mourning period after the tragic events of the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
On this day, mourning processions carrying Alam, Tazia and Zuljinah will be taken out in many cities and towns across Sindh. These processions form an important part of the traditional observances during Chehlum.
In addition, the Home Department has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the entire province for another month. The extension comes into effect from August 1. Under these restrictions, wall chalking, rallies, demonstrations and the public display of weapons will remain banned throughout Sindh.
The combination of the school holiday and the security measures shows that the provincial authorities are making arrangements for both religious observance and public safety. Parents and students are advised to check the official notification for any further details regarding their specific institutions.
With the Sindh schools closed on August 4, families will have the opportunity to take part in the Chehlum gatherings while the administration maintains order through the extended Section 144 and the pillion riding ban.
