Pakistan awaits a crucial decision today as authorities meet to sight the Shawwal moon and determine the date of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Weather conditions and astronomical data suggest the chances of moon sighting are low. The final announcement will decide whether Eid falls on Friday or Saturday.
According to astronomical details, the Shawwal moon was sighted at 6:23am Pakistan time. However, its age at sunset today will be less than 13 hours across the country, which is significantly below the required visibility threshold.
Experts state that the minimum age for moon sighting should be around 19 hours, leaving a shortfall of approximately 40 minutes.
Additionally, the duration for which the moon will remain visible after sunset is limited. The difference between sunset and moonset is expected to be 26 minutes in Karachi and 30 minutes in Peshawar, further reducing visibility chances.
Eid likely on Saturday
The Ruet-e-Hilal Research Council has indicated that Shawwal 1447 AH is likely to begin on Saturday, March 21, 2026, suggesting that Eid-ul-Fitr will most probably be observed on Saturday.
Despite this projection, the official decision will depend on moon sighting testimonies received later today.
The Met Department has stated that the possibility of sighting the Eid moon today is unlikely due to prevailing weather conditions. Cloudy skies are expected to persist in most parts of Pakistan during the evening, significantly lowering the chances of visibility.
The Met Department director reiterated that cloud cover across the country makes moon sighting very difficult today.
Experts highlight limited visibility window
Astronomy expert Irfan Virk emphasized that the moon’s stay after sunset will be very short, further complicating efforts to sight it.
He also confirmed that the final decision rests with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which will evaluate all testimonies and scientific data.
Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet in Islamabad
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will hold its key meeting in Islamabad today to sight the Shawwal moon. The session will be chaired by Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad and attended by representatives from the Meteorological Department, Suparco, and scholars from various schools of thought.
This meeting will ultimately determine whether Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday or Saturday in Pakistan.
In Lahore, the Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will meet at the Auqaf House to review moon sighting reports.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is holding its meeting at the Auqaf Hall in Peshawar. Committee members and Auqaf administrators will attend and collect moon sighting testimonies.
These testimonies will then be forwarded to the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for final consideration.
Alongside official efforts, the unofficial Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Masjid Qasim Ali Khan in Peshawar will also meet today after Maghrib prayers.
The meeting will be chaired by Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai, who will oversee the collection of moon sighting testimonies.
Final decision expected today
As Pakistan looks ahead to Eid celebrations, all eyes are on today’s announcements. The combination of scientific data, weather conditions, and eyewitness testimonies will determine the final date of Eid-ul-Fitr.
For now, the likelihood points toward Saturday, but the official confirmation will come after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee concludes its meeting.
