Pakistan is likely to observe Eid ul Fitr in 2026 on Saturday, March 21, following the completion of a 30-day fasting period during the holy month of Ramadan. This projection comes after detailed astronomical calculations by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), which analyzed the visibility of the Shawwal crescent moon that signals the end of Ramadan.
Suparco announced that the new moon marking the beginning of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, precisely at 06:23 Pakistan Standard Time (PST). However, the commission highlighted that the crescent moon’s age at sunset on the same day would be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes, with only a narrow window of about 28 minutes between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions. These conditions make the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on the evening of March 19 highly unlikely.
Given these astronomical factors, experts at Suparco have concluded that the first day of Shawwal, which marks Eid ul Fitr, will most probably fall on March 21. This means that Muslims across Pakistan will complete a full 30 days of fasting during Ramadan before celebrating the festival of breaking the fast. The final confirmation, however, rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which traditionally conducts moon sighting activities and officially announces the start of Eid.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s religious calendar, as it is responsible for verifying the crescent moon’s visibility and declaring the official dates for Islamic months. This year, the committee will convene to review the moon sighting reports and make the ultimate decision on when Eid ul Fitr will be observed nationwide. Their announcement is eagerly awaited by millions who prepare for the joyous occasion with prayers, family gatherings, and charitable acts.
It is important to understand that the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, consisting of 12 months that are either 29 or 30 days long depending on the moon’s phases. Because of this, the timing of Ramadan and Eid shifts by about 10 to 11 days each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, Ramadan began on February 19 in Pakistan, following the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s confirmation of the crescent moon sighting. This annual cycle reflects the deep spiritual significance of moon sighting in Islamic tradition, as it determines the rhythm of fasting, worship, and celebration for over a billion Muslims worldwide.
The month of Ramadan holds immense religious importance as a time of self-restraint, reflection, and community solidarity. Fasting from dawn to sunset is observed to cultivate patience, empathy for the less fortunate, and spiritual growth. The culmination of this sacred month is Eid ul Fitr, a festive day marked by prayers, feasting, and acts of generosity. The anticipation surrounding the crescent moon sighting adds a layer of excitement and unity among Muslims, who look forward to welcoming Shawwal and celebrating the end of their month-long fast.
