Kerbela governorate declares Wednesday local public holiday

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Kerbela Provincial Council has declared Wednesday, August 5, a local public holiday across the governorate. The decision applies to residents, service departments, security forces and volunteers, the council said. In a statement, Governor Nassif Jamil al-Hatabi thanked Kerbela's residents, service units, security forces and volunteers for their work over a 15-day period in hosting visitors and ensuring the success of the Arbaeen pilgrimage. The holiday is intended to allow continued services for remaining arrivals and to support the city's reorganization following the pilgrimage. The governorate said the holiday will keep essential services operating and help complete post-pilgrimage arrangements in the city. No further details on specific arrangements were immediately provided.