Pakistan’s Eid ul Fitr 2026 date has been confirmed for Saturday, March 21, after the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere in the country. The announcement was made by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad following the official meeting in Islamabad.
As a result, Friday will mark the 30th and final fast of Ramadan before Eid celebrations begin the next day.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met in Islamabad to determine the start of Shawwal and confirm the Eid date. At the same time, zonal and district committees held parallel meetings at their respective headquarters nationwide.
After reviewing reports, the committee announced that the Shawwal moon had not been sighted anywhere in Pakistan. Therefore, Eid ul Fitr will be observed on Saturday, March 21.
This means Ramadan will last 30 days, with Friday serving as the last day of fasting.
SUPARCO‘s Assessment
Earlier assessments had already suggested that the chances of moon sighting were slight. SUPARCO said Eid ul Fitr 2026 was likely to fall on March 21 based on astronomical calculations.
According to the agency, the Shawwal moon was born on Thursday at 6:23 AM. By sunset, its age was about 12 hours and 41 minutes, which was considered too low for naked-eye visibility.
Read: Govt Announces Eid ul Fitr 2026 Holidays In Pakistan
SUPARCO also noted that the gap between sunset and moonset in Pakistan’s coastal areas was expected to be around 28 minutes on March 19. Typically, the moon’s age should be at least 20 hours for a clear sighting.
Eid Holidays for Government Offices
Alongside the moon sighting announcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved two official public holidays for Eid ul Fitr. Under the notification, government offices will observe holidays on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21.
For many government employees, the break will feel longer. Since March 22 falls on a Sunday and March 23 is already a public holiday for Pakistan Day, the holiday period effectively extends to a four-day weekend from Friday through Monday.
The decision brings clarity for families, businesses, and travellers preparing for Eid across Pakistan. It also aligns with earlier expectations that moon visibility would be difficult this year.
