Karbala Declares Public Holiday for Funeral Rites of Ayatollah Khamenei

KARBALA, Iraq — The Karbala Governorate has declared a one-day public holiday for Thursday, suspending operations across all official government institutions. In a statement signed by Governor Nasif Jassim al-Hatabi, the decision was attributed to the presence of millions of people in the city gathered to receive and bury the remains of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Officials stated the holiday is intended to allow residents to provide services to arriving convoys and participate in the funeral ceremonies. Public employees will be granted leave for the day. Authorities noted that security and service coordination within the city will continue in accordance with the funeral schedule. Official government business is scheduled to resume on Friday.