Pakistan Awaits Eid al-Fitr Announcement as Moon Sighting Committee Meets

Islamabad – Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convened today, Thursday, March 19, 2026, to determine the date of Eid al-Fitr, marking the complete of Ramadan. The committee will assess testimonies from across the country regarding the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon.

Moon Sighting Efforts and Regional Differences

The meeting, held in Islamabad, will review reports of moon sightings to officially announce whether Eid will be celebrated in Pakistan. Notably, the Shawwal moon was not sighted in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, leading to an expected Eid celebration there on Friday, March 20, 2026. However, Afghanistan is observing Eid al-Fitr today, Thursday, March 19, 2026, following reported moon sightings in several provinces .

Expert Predictions and Astronomical Data

Experts suggest the first day of Shawwal is more likely to fall on March 21, 2026, in Pakistan, potentially resulting in a 30-day Ramadan. According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the modern moon of Shawwal 1447 AH was expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 06:23 PST .

Suparco further indicated that at sunset on March 19, 2026, the new moon would be approximately 12 hours and 41 minutes old, with an estimated 28-minute interval between sunset and moonset along Pakistan’s coastal belt .

Ramadan 2026 and the Islamic Calendar

Pakistan commenced the first fast of Ramadan 2026 on February 19, 2026, following the announcement of the crescent moon sighting by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad. Islamic months are based on the lunar calendar and last either 29 or 30 days, determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which is why the dates of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr vary each year on the Gregorian calendar .

Committee Process and Anticipation

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, responsible for officially declaring moon sightings in Pakistan, will assess testimonies and reports from across the country before making its announcement . The committee’s decision will determine when millions of Pakistanis will celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Preparations for Eid are already underway across the country, with markets bustling with activity as people make last-minute purchases .

A final announcement regarding Eid in Pakistan is expected later tonight following the central committee’s meeting .