WEBDESK: The Deputy Commissioner of Attock has officially announced a one-day holiday on August 28, 2025, across the district to mark the annual Urs of the revered Sufi saint, Hazrat Sakhi Sultan. According to the notification, all government institutions, including schools, colleges, and offices, will remain closed on Thursday, while essential services such as hospitals, emergency facilities, and law enforcement will continue to function as usual.
The announcement has been welcomed by locals, especially devotees who gather every year in large numbers to commemorate the Urs at Attock Khurd. The Deputy Commissioner stated that the holiday is meant to support smooth arrangements for the event and allow citizens to participate without disruption to routine responsibilities.
Significance of the Urs of Hazrat Sakhi Sultan
The annual Urs of Hazrat Sakhi Sultan holds deep cultural and religious importance. Devotees from different regions of Pakistan travel to Attock to pay their respects, attend religious gatherings, and participate in special prayers. The event is marked by spiritual activities, including Quran recitation, distribution of food (langar), and traditional rituals associated with Sufi saints.
Each year, thousands gather at the shrine, turning the small town of Attock Khurd into a hub of spiritual energy. Authorities usually arrange special traffic plans, parking areas, and security measures to manage the large crowds. This year is no different, with local administration already mobilizing resources to ensure smooth proceedings.
Religious scholars describe Urs gatherings as not only spiritual events but also social occasions where communities unite. The closure of offices and schools provides an opportunity for citizens to join in large numbers, highlighting the role of saints in promoting peace, tolerance, and unity in society.
Local Impact of the Holiday on August 28
The announcement of a district-wide holiday on August 28 is expected to ease the burden on roads and help manage heavy crowds around the shrine. Markets in the area are also expected to see an increase in activity, as pilgrims often purchase food, religious items, and travel necessities.
For schools and government offices, the closure comes as a mid-week break. Parents and teachers see it as a chance to spend time with families or participate in religious ceremonies. However, for students preparing for exams, this closure is also a reminder to adjust their schedules accordingly.
Business owners in Attock believe the holiday will bring economic activity, as visitors traveling from outside the district usually spend on accommodation, transport, and food. Hotels and local vendors around Attock Khurd often experience a significant rise in demand during the Urs celebrations.
Parallel Development: Punjab Free Laptop Scheme
In a separate update, the Punjab government has shared encouraging news for students as it prepares to launch the second phase of the free laptop distribution scheme. The initiative, which began earlier this year, aims to expand digital learning opportunities for students across the province.
According to the Higher Education Department (HED), the new phase will start in September 2025, with a schedule already finalized. Distribution will be merit-based, ensuring deserving students benefit from the program.
During the first phase, over 14,000 laptops were distributed in Lahore, enabling students to access digital learning tools and improve their educational outcomes. The government has stated that the program is part of a broader vision to strengthen e-learning and equip young people with modern technological resources.
Why the Holiday and Laptop Scheme Matter for Citizens?
Both announcements—the holiday on August 28 in Attock and the expansion of the laptop scheme—reflect how governance addresses both cultural traditions and modern educational needs. On one hand, the closure of schools and offices honors centuries-old Sufi traditions. On the other, the laptop distribution program focuses on equipping the younger generation for the digital era.
Citizens of Punjab view these developments as a balanced approach to preserving heritage while moving forward with innovation. While Attock residents prepare for the Urs of Hazrat Sakhi Sultan, students across the province await the arrival of new laptops that will assist them in their studies.
Last Words
The notification of a holiday on August 28, 2025, in Attock district ensures the smooth conduct of Urs celebrations for Hazrat Sakhi Sultan, allowing devotees to gather in large numbers. At the same time, the Punjab government’s update on the free laptop scheme brings optimism for students, reinforcing the province’s commitment to digital education.
Together, these developments underline how cultural devotion and modern education coexist, shaping the social fabric of Pakistan.
