The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has released its forecast regarding the anticipated date for Eid ul Fitr in 2026, indicating that the Shawwal moon is unlikely to be visible on the 29th night of Ramadan. This prediction suggests that the holy month of Ramadan will complete its full 30 days, with Eid celebrations expected to commence the following day across Pakistan.
the department’s detailed astronomical calculations, the new moon marking the beginning of Shawwal will be born at precisely 6:23 AM on March 19, 2026. However, by the time the sun sets on that day, the moon will have aged only about 12 to 13 hours. Such a young lunar age is generally considered insufficient for the crescent to be seen clearly with the naked eye, making the possibility of sighting the Shawwal crescent on the 29th of Ramadan extremely slim.
Given these conditions, the PMD has conveyed that the chances of moon sighting on March 19 are minimal, and as a result, the Islamic calendar will likely extend Ramadan to a full 30 days. Consequently, Eid ul Fitr is expected to be observed on March 21, 2026, pending the official confirmation from the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, which is the authoritative body responsible for verifying moon sightings and announcing religious dates in Pakistan.
It is important to note that the process of moon sighting in Pakistan involves multiple committees working in coordination. For instance, the Ramadan moon of 1447 AH was sighted on February 18, 2024, after the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee received and authenticated approximately 40 eyewitness reports from various regions including Swabi, Dir, Mohmand, Batgram, Chaman, and Karachi. The official moon sighting meeting was chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad at the Auqaf Department building in Peshawar, with simultaneous zonal and district-level meetings taking place in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Quetta.
Earlier this year, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) had also predicted favorable astronomical conditions for the Ramadan moon to be visible on February 18, aligning with the actual sightings. Despite these scientific predictions, the final determination of Ramadan and Eid dates in Pakistan remains the prerogative of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, which bases its decisions on verified eyewitness testimonies rather than solely on astronomical data.
Looking ahead to Eid ul Fitr 2026, the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee will conduct nationwide observations to confirm the sighting of the Shawwal crescent. Until then, the public and religious authorities await the official announcement, which will mark the conclusion of Ramadan and the joyous beginning of Eid festivities. This traditional method of moon sighting continues to hold significant cultural and religious importance in Pakistan, reflecting the blend of scientific insight and faith-based practice that guides the Islamic calendar.
