ISLAMABAD: The official moon-sighting committees across Pakistan have confirmed the visibility of the Shawwal moon on Friday evening, signaling the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This announcement means that Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, will be celebrated throughout Pakistan on Saturday. The sighting brings joy and anticipation as families prepare to mark the occasion with prayers, feasts, and communal gatherings.
It is important to note that Eid-ul-Fitr will also be observed on March 21 in several other Muslim-majority countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman, and India. This synchronization highlights the shared religious traditions across these nations, despite geographical distances. The festival commemorates the conclusion of a month-long fast and is a time for spiritual reflection, charity, and unity among the Muslim community.
Political figures across Pakistan have announced their plans for Eid prayers, reflecting the cultural significance of the festival in the country’s social and political landscape. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz are scheduled to offer Eid prayers in Raiwind, a location known for its political gatherings. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will observe the festival in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab. Other members of the Sharif family, including Hamza Sharif, Salman Sharif, and Atta Tarrar, will also be present in Lahore to participate in the celebrations.
Across Punjab province, several senior political leaders will congregate at various mosques and prayer grounds to perform Eid prayers. Rana Sanaullah will lead prayers in Faisalabad, while Khawaja Asif will do so in Sialkot. The Punjab Governor is expected to offer Eid prayers at the historic Badshahi Mosque, and Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan will be in Khaddiyan Khas. In Gujrat, prominent figures such as Chaudhry Shujaat, Pervez Elahi, Salik, and Shafaq Hussain will join the festivities. Lahore will also see the presence of influential politicians like Khawaja Saad Rafique, Mujtaba Shujaat, and Ali Pervez Malik, underscoring the importance of Eid as a unifying event.
Moving to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi plans to celebrate Eid in his ancestral hometown of Bara, located in the Khyber District. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi will attend prayers in Dera Ismail Khan, while Speaker Babar Saleem Swati will be in Mansehra. The Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, Justice S.M. Atiq Shah, will mark the occasion in Charsadda. This distribution of political leaders across the province highlights the widespread participation in Eid celebrations, which serve as a moment of communal harmony and cultural expression.
Other notable provincial leaders are also set to participate in Eid prayers and festivities in various districts. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar will be in Buner, former KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak in Nowshera, and JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Dera Ismail Khan. Opposition leader Dr. Ibadullah will celebrate in Shangla, while ANP provincial president Aimal Wali and National Awami Party chief Aftab Sherpao will both be in Charsadda. These gatherings reflect the broad spectrum of political representation coming together to observe this important religious occasion.
Meanwhile, Eid celebrations are also underway in Saudi Arabia and several other countries today, marking a global observance of the festival. The international nature of Eid underscores its significance as a time of spiritual renewal and social bonding for Muslims worldwide. The festive atmosphere is characterized by communal prayers, charitable acts, and joyous family reunions.
Authorities have urged the public to adhere to health and safety guidelines while attending congregational prayers and participating in Eid festivities. Given the ongoing concerns related to public health, officials emphasize the importance of maintaining precautionary measures to ensure that celebrations remain safe for everyone involved. This advice aims to balance the enthusiasm of Eid with the responsibility of protecting community well-being.
