In a timely move aimed at easing financial concerns for public servants, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed all federal government departments on Monday to expedite the payment of March salaries and pensions prior to the upcoming Eidul Fitr celebrations. This directive is intended to provide much-needed relief to government employees and pensioners as they prepare for the festive season, ensuring they have access to their earnings well in advance of the holiday.
Following the Prime Minister’s clear instructions, various federal departments have already initiated the process of early salary disbursement, a step that reflects the government’s commitment to supporting its workforce during significant cultural and religious occasions. The Prime Minister’s Office released an official statement confirming that the administration is prioritizing these payments to allow employees to make their Eid arrangements without financial strain.
Meanwhile, the Sindh provincial government has also taken proactive measures by deciding to release March salaries, allowances, and pensions ahead of schedule specifically for Muslim employees and pensioners. a formal communication from the Sindh Finance Department, all Muslim government workers, including those employed under work-charged and contingent paid categories, will receive their full remuneration for March on March 16, 2026. This advance payment is strategically planned to coincide with the anticipated date of Eid, which is expected to fall on either March 20 or 21, depending on the lunar sighting.
It is important to note that the exact date of Eidul Fitr hinges on the sighting of the Shawwal moon, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. Experts predict that Eid will most likely be celebrated on March 21, following a full 30-day period of Ramadan fasting. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has provided scientific data indicating that the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 Pakistan Standard Time. However, the final decision regarding the official commencement of Eid celebrations rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will conduct the traditional moon sighting and announce the exact date for the entire country.
In addition to the salary and pension arrangements, the federal government has declared a two-day public holiday in observance of Eidul Fitr. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Sunday confirming that March 20 and March 21 will be designated as official holidays. This announcement applies uniformly to offices operating under both five-day and six-day workweek schedules, allowing employees across the country to fully participate in the festivities with their families and communities.
Overall, these coordinated efforts by both federal and provincial authorities underscore the government’s sensitivity towards the economic and cultural needs of its workforce during one of the most significant religious festivals in Pakistan. By ensuring timely payments and granting holidays, the administration aims to foster a sense of well-being and celebration among public servants as they observe Eidul Fitr.
