Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced today that the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere in the country. This means the holy month of Ramadan has completed 30 days, and Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed across Pakistan on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
The committee held its meeting in Karachi on Thursday evening, March 19, with zonal committees also checking in cities like Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta. No reliable witnesses came forward with moon-sighting evidence, even though the skies were clear in many areas. Suparco had already predicted low chances of visibility due to the moon’s position and thin crescent, which matched the final outcome.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia and some Gulf countries declared the moon not sighted earlier or followed their calendars, leading them to celebrate Eid on Friday, March 20. Pakistan usually follows local sightings, so it often ends up a day later than Saudi Arabia. This year follows the same pattern.
People across the country are now preparing for Chand Raat on Friday night, with markets buzzing for shopping, sweets, and new clothes. Families will gather for prayers on Saturday morning at mosques and Eidgahs. The government has declared public holidays from Friday to Monday or Tuesday in some cases to allow time for celebrations.
