Islamabad: The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has released its latest astronomical calculations regarding the timing of Eid ul Fitr in 2026. Their analysis suggests that Eid will most likely be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, following the completion of 30 days of Ramadan. This projection comes after a detailed study of the moon’s phases and visibility conditions across the country.
SUPARCO’s initial assessment indicates that the Shawwal moon, which marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Eid celebrations, was born early Thursday morning at 6:23 am. However, by the time of sunset on the same day, the moon will only be about 12 hours and 41 minutes old. Such a young moon is generally considered too faint and close to the horizon to be seen with the naked eye, making the likelihood of spotting the crescent on March 19 very slim.
Adding to the challenge, the space agency pointed out that along Pakistan’s coastal regions, the interval between sunset and moonset will be approximately 28 minutes on March 19. This narrow window further diminishes the chances of a successful moon sighting, as a longer duration between these events is usually necessary for the crescent to become visible. Experts typically require the moon to be at least 20 hours old for a clear and reliable sighting.
Given these astronomical factors, the prevailing expectation is that Pakistan will observe a full 30-day Ramadan this year, with Eid ul Fitr celebrations commencing on March 21. Nevertheless, the final decision on the official date will rest with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is responsible for moon sighting announcements across the country. The committee is scheduled to convene in Islamabad today to attempt the sighting of the Shawwal moon and formally declare the Eid date.
The meeting will be presided over by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, a prominent religious scholar, and will be supported by Zonal and District Ruet-e-Hilal Committees gathering simultaneously at their respective locations nationwide. These coordinated efforts ensure a comprehensive and unified approach to moon sighting, which holds significant religious and cultural importance for millions of Pakistanis.
It is worth noting that the crescent moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries on the evening of March 18, leading to their Eid celebrations being scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026. This difference in moon sighting timings often results in slight variations in Eid observance dates among Muslim nations, depending on geographical and atmospheric conditions.
As the country awaits the official announcement, communities across Pakistan are preparing for the festive occasion with great anticipation. The moon sighting tradition continues to be a vital part of Islamic culture, symbolizing the end of a month of fasting and spiritual reflection, and the beginning of joyous celebrations with family and friends.
