ISLAMABAD: In anticipation of the upcoming Eid ul Fitr celebrations, the federal government has officially declared public holidays to allow citizens to observe the festive occasion with their families. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Sunday confirming that Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, will be designated as official holidays across the country. This announcement applies to government offices operating under both five-day and six-day workweek schedules, ensuring a broad spectrum of employees can benefit from the break.
The decision follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s formal declaration of these dates as public holidays, emphasizing the government’s commitment to facilitating nationwide participation in Eid festivities. Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting and spiritual reflection observed by millions of Pakistanis. Experts anticipate that Eid will likely fall on March 21, 2026, following the completion of a 30-day Ramadan fast, a timeline that aligns with traditional lunar calendar calculations.
Adding scientific context to the holiday announcement, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) provided detailed information regarding the lunar cycle. their statement, the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 Pakistan Standard Time (PST). By sunset on the same day, the moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old, with a 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions. These precise astronomical calculations are crucial in determining the exact date of Eid, which depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.
Despite these scientific predictions, the final decision on the commencement of Eid ul Fitr rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan. This committee is responsible for the traditional moon sighting process, which involves religious scholars and officials who confirm the lunar visibility across the country. Their verdict ultimately dictates the official start of Eid celebrations nationwide, ensuring that the festival is observed uniformly.
In preparation for the anticipated surge in travel as people journey to their hometowns and villages to celebrate Eid with loved ones, Pakistan Railways has announced the operation of four special trains. These additional services aim to accommodate the increased passenger traffic during the holiday period and provide a smoother, more convenient travel experience. The first special train is scheduled to 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 special service will operate from Karachi to Lahore on March 18.
A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways highlighted that these special train operations demonstrate the department’s dedication to passenger welfare, ensuring safe, timely, and comfortable journeys during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. The initiative reflects a broader effort to support the public during national festivities, minimizing travel disruptions and enhancing connectivity across major cities.
