The scenario of cashless ATMs during Eid has become an all too familiar issue for residents. Consumers have voiced their concerns, stating that ATMs tend to run out of cash or stop working as the festival approaches.
One individual, echoing the frustrations of many others, revealed, “The ATMs are out of order before Eid. We have visited the ATMs since this morning, but there is no cash.” This disruption has caused substantial inconvenience, particularly as large cash withdrawals are common to purchase sacrificial animals for the festival during this period.
Extended Holiday for Eid ul Adha.
Amidst the cash crunch, the government has announced an extended holiday in honour of Eid ul Adha. Pakistan will be celebrating the festival this year on Thursday, June 29. The official holiday begins on the Day of Arafah, June 28, and extends through the end of the week.
Specifically, the government directive states, “In supersession of earlier orders of even number dated 20.06.2023, on the above subject, the Prime Minister has been pleased to approve the public holidays on the occasion of Eid ul Adha as follows: 28th, 29th a 30th June 2023 (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) for the offices observing five days working in a week; and 28th June to 1st July 2023 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) for the offices observing six days working in a week.”
The new directive revises the previously approved three-day holiday, extending it to accommodate the celebrations fully, as per the statement issued by the Cabinet Division. However, this extended break does little to alleviate residents’ challenges with the cash shortage issue.
