The federal government has officially declared public holidays in observance of Eid ul Fitr 2026, as confirmed by a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Sunday. This announcement follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive to grant a break on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, allowing citizens to celebrate the conclusion of Ramadan with their families and loved ones. These holidays apply to government offices operating under both five-day and six-day workweek schedules, ensuring a uniform observance nationwide.
It is anticipated that Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on March 21, 2026, following the completion of a 30-day fasting period during Ramadan. The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has provided scientific insights regarding the lunar cycle, which plays a crucial role in determining the exact date of Eid. Suparco’s statement, the new moon marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to emerge on March 19 at 06:23 Pakistan Standard Time. At sunset on the same day, the moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old, with a brief 28-minute window between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions, conditions that are favorable for moon sighting.
Despite these scientific predictions, the final decision on the sighting of the crescent moon and the official start of Eid ul Fitr rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan. This committee traditionally convenes to verify moon sightings across different parts of the country, ensuring that the festival is observed uniformly and in accordance with Islamic tradition. Their announcement will provide definitive confirmation to the public regarding the exact day of Eid celebrations.
In anticipation of the increased travel demand during this festive period, Pakistan Railways has proactively arranged special train services to accommodate passengers journeying to their hometowns. A spokesperson from Pakistan Railways outlined the schedule for these special trains, which are set to commence operations ahead of Eid. The first special train will depart from Lahore to Karachi on March 16, followed by a second train leaving Quetta for Rawalpindi on March 17. On the same day, a third train will run from Karachi to Peshawar, while the fourth and final special service is scheduled from Karachi to Lahore on March 18. These additional services aim to manage the surge in passenger traffic and provide a smoother, more comfortable travel experience during the busy holiday season.
The spokesperson emphasized that these special train operations demonstrate Pakistan Railways’ dedication to passenger convenience and safety. By increasing the availability of seats and ensuring timely departures, the department hopes to support the millions of Pakistanis traveling across the country to celebrate Eid with their families. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing public transportation infrastructure and services during peak travel times.
