Baghdad governor declares next Wednesday a public holiday for state employees

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Baghdad Governorate has declared next Wednesday a public holiday for employees of state institutions across the capital. Authorities said the decision will be implemented by the relevant bodies and applied to working hours at government offices. In a written directive issued by the Baghdad governor, staff are instructed not to be called to duty on the designated date. Security and health services will continue operating under their own work plans to prevent disruption in the delivery of public services during the holiday. Officials said additional arrangements may be made for employees in critical roles on the holiday day. The Governorate said announcing the decision in advance would allow residents to plan their administrative and personal business accordingly. No further details on the reason for the holiday were immediately available.