ISLAMABAD: In anticipation of the upcoming Eid ul Fitr celebrations, the federal government has officially declared public holidays to allow citizens to observe the festival with their families. The Cabinet Division issued a formal notification on Sunday confirming that Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, will be designated as public holidays across the country. This announcement applies to all government offices, including those that follow both five-day and six-day workweek schedules, ensuring a uniform break for employees nationwide.
The decision follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive to grant these holidays, reflecting the government’s commitment to facilitating the religious and cultural observances associated with Eid ul Fitr. This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims, and is one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar. Experts anticipate that Eid will likely fall on March 21, 2026, following the completion of a 30-day Ramadan period, which is observed with fasting from dawn to sunset.
Adding scientific context to the holiday announcement, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) provided detailed astronomical data regarding the lunar cycle. Suparco, the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH is expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 Pakistan Standard Time (PST). At sunset on the same day, the moon will be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old, with a 28-minute gap between the sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal areas. This information is crucial because the sighting of the crescent moon determines the exact day of Eid.
Despite these scientific predictions, the final verdict on the commencement of Eid ul Fitr rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will conduct moon sighting observations across the country. This committee’s decision is traditionally awaited by millions of Pakistanis who rely on its announcement to begin their Eid celebrations officially. The process combines religious tradition with scientific observation, underscoring the cultural importance of moon sighting in Pakistan.
In preparation for the increased travel demand during the Eid holidays, Pakistan Railways has announced the operation of four special trains to assist passengers journeying to their hometowns. The first special train will depart from Lahore to Karachi on March 16, followed by a second train from Quetta to Rawalpindi on March 17. On the same day, a third train will run from Karachi to Peshawar, while the fourth special service will travel from Karachi to Lahore on March 18. These additional services aim to manage the surge in passenger traffic and provide a smoother travel experience during the festive period.
A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways emphasized that these special train operations demonstrate the department’s dedication to passenger convenience and safety. By increasing the number of trains during this busy season, Pakistan Railways hopes to ensure timely departures and arrivals, reducing travel-related stress for families eager to reunite for Eid. This initiative reflects broader efforts by government agencies to support citizens during major religious holidays, highlighting the importance of Eid ul Fitr as a time of community and celebration across Pakistan.
