As the holy month of Ramadan nears its end, preparations for Eid ul Fitr are intensifying across Pakistan. Amid this backdrop, a concerned citizen has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) with a plea urging the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to announce the sighting of the Shawwal moon at an earlier time than usual. This move aims to provide clarity to the public and facilitate smoother arrangements for the upcoming festivities.
The petition was filed by Abdullah Shafiq, who has requested the court to issue directives for the timely declaration of the moon sighting. The case is scheduled to be heard by IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar on Wednesday. Shafiq emphasized that the current delays in announcing the moon sighting often result in congregational Taraweeh prayers being held under uncertainty, causing inconvenience to worshippers across the country.
Moreover, the petitioner highlighted the ripple effects of the late announcement on commercial activities. He pointed out that once the moon sighting is declared, there is a sudden surge of people rushing to markets and shopping areas to buy Eid-related items, which can lead to overcrowding and potential law and order challenges. To mitigate these issues, Shafiq has urged the court to instruct authorities to implement measures that would maintain public order during this critical period. Additionally, he proposed that markets remain closed except for designated outlets specifically catering to Eid shopping, thereby controlling the rush and ensuring a safer environment for shoppers.
In parallel, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has provided its astronomical assessment regarding the timing of Eid this year. Suparco, Eid ul Fitr is expected to fall on March 21, 2026, following a complete 30-day observance of Ramadan. The commission noted that the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is predicted to be born on March 19 at 06:23 Pakistan Standard Time (PST).
Suparco further explained that at sunset on March 19, the moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old, with only a 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions. These conditions suggest that the likelihood of sighting the Shawwal crescent on the evening of March 19 is quite low. Consequently, the first day of Shawwal—and thus Eid ul Fitr—is anticipated to be observed on Saturday, March 21.
Despite these scientific calculations, Suparco reiterated that the final decision on the moon sighting rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which holds the authority to officially announce the commencement of Eid across Pakistan. This traditional process often involves physical moon sighting reports from various parts of the country, which can sometimes lead to delays or differing opinions.
As the nation awaits the court’s decision and the official moon sighting announcement, the petition reflects a growing public desire for clarity and timely communication to ensure that Eid celebrations proceed smoothly and safely. The outcome of this hearing could potentially set a precedent for future moon sighting announcements, balancing religious observance with practical considerations for the public and authorities alike.
