Islamabad, Pakistan — The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announced on March 19, 2026, that the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere in Pakistan due to cloudy skies, meaning Eid ul Fitr will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21. Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad made the official declaration after meetings of the central, zonal, and district committees. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony also issued a notification confirming that the month of Shawwal will begin on Saturday. While most parts of the country will observe Eid on Saturday, reports indicate that some areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Bajaur, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Mohmand, may celebrate it a day earlier on Friday. This announcement comes after the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission and the Pakistan Meteorological Department had already predicted low chances of moon sighting on Friday.
Key Highlights
- Shawwal moon not sighted in Pakistan due to cloudy conditions across most regions.
- Eid ul Fitr to be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026, nationwide.
- Some districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may observe Eid on Friday, March 20.
- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are celebrating Eid ul Fitr on Friday.
- Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and Ministry of Religious Affairs issued official notifications confirming the date.
The decision reflects Pakistan’s careful and transparent moon-sighting process, which has been followed for generations with sincerity and unity. Although skies remained mostly overcast, the committee thoroughly reviewed all reports before making the announcement. Many families across the country had been eagerly waiting for this news, and the confirmation has brought a sense of joy and preparation for the blessed day ahead.
Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, where Eid is being celebrated on Friday, are expected to join their local communities in prayers while looking forward to celebrating with their families back home on Saturday. The slight difference in dates once again highlights the beauty of the Muslim world’s unity in faith, even as local moon sightings determine the exact day of celebration.
As Pakistan prepares for Eid ul Fitr on Saturday, the nation extends warm greetings to all Muslims celebrating on Friday. May this blessed occasion bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to every home, and may the spirit of unity and gratitude continue to strengthen our country and the global Muslim community.
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