Rahim Yar Khan district will observe a local holiday on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in honor of the Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Fareed (R.A.). The official notice from the Deputy Commissioner states that the holiday applies only within the revenue limits of the district, while examinations and financial operations will proceed as scheduled.
Details Table
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Holiday Date | October 1, 2025 |
| Reason | Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Fareed |
| Applicable Area | Rahim Yar Khan district (revenue limits) |
| Examinations | Continue as per schedule |
| Banking & Finance | Unaffected |
| Notification Sent To | PD Punjab, Home Secretary, DPO, local departments |
Why the Holiday Matters
Deputy Commissioner Khurram Pervaiz announced the holiday to accommodate spiritual and cultural observances. The Urs is a major event, drawing devotees for religious gatherings, poetry sessions, and spiritual tributes to the Sufi saint. Many local residents participate in these events and travel to mausoleum sites for assemblies.
Two key points to note:
- The holiday does not cancel any academic exams or government schedules that were already planned.
- Offices outside district revenue limits are not covered by this holiday decision.
Who Was Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Fareed?
Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Fareed (R.A.) was a Sufi saint and celebrated poet whose works in Saraiki, Persian, and Urdureflect messages of divine love, human harmony, and spiritual awakening. His Urs is observed annually with recitations, qawwali, and gatherings of disciples.
Departments Notified
To enforce compliance, the holiday notification was forwarded to:
- Additional Chief Secretary, Punjab
- Secretary Home, Punjab
- Commissioner Bahawalpur Division
- District & Session Judge, Rahim Yar Khan
- District Police Officer, Rahim Yar Khan
- Heads of local administrative and revenue departments
These officials will ensure that non-essential government operations pause, while critical services continue.
Local Reactions
Many residents welcomed the decision, calling it respectful to the spiritual heritage of the region. Students and working professionals tasked with exams or deadlines expressed relief that academic schedules were exempted from the closure.
Final Thoughts
October 1, 2025, will be a day of spiritual reverence and local observance in Rahim Yar Khan, as the district honors Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Fareed (R.A.) with an official holiday. While the rest of the country carries on normally, local institutions and residents will pause for reflection, prayer, and cultural commemoration.
For further details and official confirmations, please refer to the District Rahim Yar Khan office notifications and the Punjab Home Department portal.