The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting in Islamabad today to observe the Shawwal moon, a key event that determines the official date for Eid ul Fitr celebrations across Pakistan. This gathering, led by the committee’s chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, marks the culmination of efforts to confirm the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the festive Eid period. The committee’s decision is eagerly awaited by millions of Muslims who observe the holy month of fasting.
Simultaneously, zonal and district-level Ruet-e-Hilal committees will assemble at their respective headquarters nationwide to conduct local moon sighting activities. These regional observations play a vital role in corroborating the central committee’s findings and ensuring a unified national announcement. The tradition of moon sighting has deep religious and cultural significance in Pakistan, where the lunar calendar dictates the timing of Islamic festivals.
Preliminary evaluations suggest that the likelihood of spotting the Shawwal moon this evening is quite slim. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which provides scientific guidance on lunar phases and visibility, has projected that Eid ul Fitr 2026 will most likely fall on Saturday, March 21. Their calculations are based on the moon’s birth time and its position relative to the earth and sun.
SUPARCO reported that the Shawwal moon was born on Thursday at 6:23 a.m., meaning that by sunset on the day of observation, the moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old. This age is generally considered insufficient for the moon to be visible to the naked eye, as a minimum age of around 20 hours is typically required for clear sighting. Furthermore, the time gap between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions is expected to be about 28 minutes on March 19, which further complicates the chances of a successful sighting.
Given these scientific insights, it is anticipated that Pakistan will complete a full 30 days of Ramadan fasting, with Eid ul Fitr celebrations commencing on March 21. However, it is important to note that the final confirmation will rest with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, whose religious authority holds the decisive role in announcing the official date.
In parallel with the moon sighting preparations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially sanctioned two public holidays in observance of Eid ul Fitr. The government has declared that March 20 and March 21 will be designated holidays for all government offices across the country. This decision was formally endorsed by the prime minister prior to the Cabinet Division issuing an official notification outlining the holiday schedule.
The notification clarifies that government departments following both five-day and six-day workweek systems will remain closed on Friday and Saturday to honor the Eid festivities. Additionally, the timing of these holidays creates an extended break for public sector employees. Since March 22 falls on a Sunday and March 23 is already a recognized public holiday in Pakistan, many officials will enjoy a continuous four-day weekend stretching from Friday through Monday.
This extended holiday period is expected to provide ample opportunity for families and communities to come together and celebrate Eid ul Fitr with greater ease. It also reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the festival’s importance and its impact on social and cultural life in Pakistan. As the nation awaits the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s final announcement, preparations for Eid are already underway across the country, blending religious observance with official protocols.
