In a timely move to ease financial concerns ahead of the festive season, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed all federal government departments on Monday to expedite the payment of March salaries and pensions. This directive aims to provide public sector employees with financial relief just days before the arrival of Eid ul Fitr, a significant religious festival celebrated across Pakistan.
Following the Prime Minister’s clear instructions, various federal ministries and departments have already begun preparations to ensure that salaries and pensions are credited well in advance of the holiday. This proactive step is expected to help millions of government workers manage their expenses related to Eid festivities, including shopping, travel, and family gatherings.
Meanwhile, the Sindh provincial government has also taken a similar initiative by deciding to release March salaries, allowances, and pensions earlier than usual for Muslim employees and pensioners. A formal communication from the Sindh Finance Department outlined that all Muslim government staff, including those employed under work-charged and contingent paid categories, will receive their full remuneration on March 16, 2026. This advance payment is particularly significant as Eid ul Fitr is anticipated to fall on March 20 or 21, depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
Experts in lunar observations suggest that Eid will most likely be celebrated on March 21, following the completion of a 30-day Ramadan fast by the majority of Pakistanis. 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 appear on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 Pakistan Standard Time. However, the final confirmation regarding the exact day of Eid will be made by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is responsible for moon sighting announcements across the country.
In addition to the salary disbursement announcements, the federal government has declared a two-day public holiday on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr. The Cabinet Division issued an official notification on Sunday, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s declaration of March 20 and March 21 as public holidays. These holidays will apply to all government offices, including those that operate on both five-day and six-day workweeks, allowing employees ample time to celebrate the festival with their families and communities.
This coordinated effort by both federal and provincial governments to release salaries early and declare public holidays underscores the importance of Eid ul Fitr in Pakistan’s social and cultural fabric. It also reflects the administration’s sensitivity towards the economic needs of public servants during major religious festivities, ensuring they can partake in the celebrations without financial strain.
