When will Eid ul Fitr 2026 be observed in Pakistan?

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has indicated that the Shawwal crescent is unlikely to be visible on March 19, suggesting that Eid ul Fitr will probably be observed nationwide on March 21.

Officials at the Met Office say there is a strong possibility of the moon being sighted on March 20. If confirmed, the festival would fall on Saturday, March 21, pending the formal announcement by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

Based on this outlook, Ramadan is expected to complete a full 30 days this year if the crescent is not seen on March 19.

The latest projection follows the department’s earlier forecast about the beginning of Ramadan, which proved accurate. Before the holy month commenced, authorities had highlighted the likelihood of crescent visibility in several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, where clear skies were anticipated in the plains, while upper regions were expected to experience partly cloudy weather.

The Ramadan moon was ultimately sighted on the 29th of Shaban, corresponding to February 18, and the first fast was observed on February 19 after an official declaration by the central moon sighting committee.

Islamic months span either 29 or 30 days, depending on the appearance of the new crescent. As Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which is around 10 days shorter than the Gregorian year, its dates shift annually on the conventional calendar.