The federal government’s announcement of a three-day public holiday from May 26 to 28 for Eid ul Azha has drawn widespread criticism online, with many pointing out that the third day of Eid, May 29, has been left out.
The Cabinet Division issued a notification declaring the holidays on the directions of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan will observe Eid ul Azha on May 27 after the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee confirmed the sighting of the Zilhaj moon on Sunday, with testimonies received from Karachi, Mardan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and other areas.
However, the decision to include May 26 the day before Eid rather than May 29, the third day of Eid, did not sit well with the public. Social media users were quick to point out that qurbani is traditionally performed across all three days of Eid ul Azha.
“Friday is the third day of Eid why is it not included? Qurbani is also performed on the third day,” one user wrote.
Another remarked, “It should be May 27 to 29, May 29 is the third day of Eid. What is the logic of including May 26?”
Private sector workers expressed particular frustration. “What a strange government, could not even give three full Eid holidays,” one user said, while another added, “Private employees have been asked to report on Friday and Saturday. What nonsense”.
Several users also pointed out that government employees stood to benefit the most from the current schedule. “Only government employees benefited they will come in on Friday, leave after Friday prayers, and enjoy Saturday and Sunday off anyway. What about the salaried class,” one user asked
Eid ul Azha, celebrated on the 10th of Zilhaj, marks the culmination of Hajj. Saudi Arabia will also observe the first day of Eidul Azha on May 27, with Arafat Day falling on May 26.
