ISLAMABAD: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, has officially declared that the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere in Pakistan. This announcement confirms that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026. As a result, Muslims across the country will observe a complete 30th day of fasting, with Friday, March 20, marking the last day of Ramadan.
The decision came after a thorough meeting held in Islamabad, where the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee gathered to assess moon sighting reports and finalize the date for Eid. Maulana Azad chaired the session, while zonal and district-level committees conducted simultaneous observations from their respective locations nationwide. Initial reports and assessments had already indicated that the chances of spotting the Shawwal moon on the evening of March 19 were extremely slim.
Supporting these observations, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) had earlier provided scientific data based on astronomical calculations. SUPARCO noted that the new moon for Shawwal was born on Thursday morning at 6:23 AM. By sunset on the same day, the moon was only about 12 hours and 41 minutes old, which is generally considered too young for the naked eye to detect. Furthermore, SUPARCO highlighted that the time interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal regions was approximately 28 minutes on March 19, further complicating the possibility of a clear sighting. It is widely accepted that the moon needs to be at least 20 hours old to be visible without optical aid.
In light of these findings, the committee’s decision aligns with both traditional moon sighting practices and modern scientific input, ensuring that the religious observance is accurately timed. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sanctioned two official public holidays to mark the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The government has declared that Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, will be holidays across all federal offices and institutions.
This announcement is particularly significant for the working population, as it effectively creates an extended break. With Sunday, March 22, being a weekend and Monday, March 23, already designated as a public holiday in observance of Pakistan Day, many employees will benefit from a four-day long weekend. This extended holiday period offers families ample time to celebrate Eid festivities and spend quality moments together.
Overall, the careful coordination between religious authorities and scientific agencies reflects Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining the sanctity of Islamic traditions while embracing contemporary methods. The confirmation of Eid on March 21 allows citizens to prepare accordingly, ensuring that the joyous occasion is observed with due reverence and unity across the nation.
